Anointing of the Sick- An Interview with a Priest

- Gleron Quadros
Introduction

The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is the least spoken about sacrament, it is
only thought about at the point of death of someone. The healing, social and religious
dimension of this sacrament is least understood and much has to be done about it. To
understand the exact ground situation of this situation I had a chance to interview Fr Cyprian
Silva a young priest of the diocese of Karwar who is at a small yet active parish Chandavar. It
was a rather interesting and thought provoking interview.

1. What is your opinion about the Sacrament of Anointing?

I, personally do feel that the sacrament is not well understood in our context. With
advances in medical technology and various self-healing methods, people don’t find the need
of this sacrament as a means of healing. We priests too, do not find the need to give this
sacrament as a means of healing first. After all methods have failed and when there is no scope
for further life, we think of this sacrament as a door to heaven.
2. How can this opinion change?
We, need to take moral responsibility of this and work on the awareness of the
sacrament as a means of healing, change our lifestyle and be available for people’s needs. Also
the social dimensions of this Sacrifice has to emphasized, all should be involved whenever this
sacrament is given.

3. How often do you take communion to the sick?

Once a month, and always at a sick call. Apart from this I do visit the hospital close by.
Though we do not have many Catholics in our vicinity we do get sick calls from the Hospital.

4. How do people take when you anoint, because some have the understanding that
it has to be given only while dying?
Yes, there’s negative thought in their mind. They think the sacrament has to be given
only at the point of death. This is why they don’t like it to be given under normal illnesses.
Some think that by giving this sacrament people would die soon.

5. What are the challenges you face while anointing them?

Challenge of convincing them that this Sacrament of healing. There is also a lack of
preparation on their part. The need for the family members to be present while giving the
sacrament also needs to be emphasized.

6. Is there a difference between the person when he is sick and when he is health?
A sick person is afraid of death. But healthy is not. Sickness makes a person worried.
That makes him to seek God and that is why we hear more genuine prayers in the hospitals
than in churches today.
 7. Do you catechize them on death about life after death?
Yes. I do catechise. For the Children there is catechism classes. For the youth we have
started once a month seminars on the different aspects of faith in which I have covered this
topic. But recently I have started catechesis before Sunday mass for the adults. So that they
know their Faith.

8. When they ask you about the innocent suffering in the world what is your
response?
Job's response, “ if we receive good things from God why are we raising questions when
we suffer.” We need to balance our life. Resurrection through suffering on cross. Yet often it
is not easy to explain to them at that point of time. It is a tough question. I usually take time to
listen and understand their problem.

9. Do they eagerly wait for the communion?

Yes they do wait. Some they request once a week too. But as I am the only priest here
it is difficult for me to take communion to them. I make sure that the frequency of this is
maintained.

10. What are things do you do you for the sick?

Once a year we day of the sick where we make arrangements to bring them to the church
and have a special prayer, adoration, Mass and anointing for all. After that we have a fellowship
meal. In addition to this we have Mass in the wards for the sick. They all gather at one house
and we celebrate the Eucharist for them.

11. What is attitude of the people especially youth towards the Sick?

The people are involved with in many ways to help out the sick. There are various
associations who are involved directly to help out the sick and the dying such as SVP. The
youth visit the sick on different occasions. They also visit the house the sick for carol singing.
They are very active in this ministry.

Conclusion

Not everywhere is the situation same. In this Parish most certainly with a dynamic and
active Priest like Fr Cyprian there is always a scope of better awareness. I realise that much has
to be done. This interview has certainly opened my eyes to many things. I have made up my
mind to really work towards a better awareness and reception of this sacrament.