Anointing of the sick

The sacrament that helps unite those who are suffering with Jesus’ saving and healing power is the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament people receive forgiveness for their sins and comfort in their suffering; they are restored in spirit; and sometimes they even experience the return of physical health. This sacrament is for the seriously ill, injured, those undergoing surgery or the elderly. The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is one of healing sacraments of the Church and is not meant only for those who are at the point of death.

Administration
Anointing of the Sick may only be administered by an ordained priest or bishop as one of the effects of the sacrament is to absolve the recipient of any sins not previously absolved through the sacrament of penance. The priest anoints the faithful’s forehead with an oil blessed by the Diocesan Bishop at the Holy Thursday Chrism Mass in the form of a cross, saying, “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.” He then anoints the hands, saying, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” He may also, in accordance with local culture and traditions, and the needs of the sick person, anoint other parts of the body, but without repeating the sacramental formula.

Anointing of the Sick is available to anyone seriously ill. Please contact the Chaplaincy Office at info@staugustinemakerere.com or +256 774 763 686 to arrange for the celebration of this sacrament.