Name: Francis Jan Y.
Desoloc
ANOINTING OF THE SICK IN DIFFERENT CULTURES
Anointing of the sick is an essential sacrament in Catholicism that offers spiritual
strength, healing, and forgiveness to those who are seriously ill, facing surgery or near death.
This sacrament involves a Priest anointing the person with Holy Oil while praying for their
healing both physically and spiritually. It emphasizes God’s compassion and care for the
suffering, bringing comfort and peace in times of physical and emotional distress. Through this
sacrament, Catholics believe that Christ is present in the suffering, offering grace and strength to
endure.
The sacrament of the anointing of the sick has three (3) main parts; Anointing with Holy
Oil, Prayer for healing and comfort, and Spiritual and emotional support. The words said
during the rites include this “through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help
you with grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”- (DURING THE ANOINTING OF THE
FOREHEAD) “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up”- (DURING
THE ANOINTING OF THE HANDS). The priest or minister may also offer additional prayers
for the sick person’s specific needs and intentions.
The Biblical Basis for the anointing of the sick is found primarily in the New Testament,
specifically in the Epistle of James.
James 5:14-15 states. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call for the elders of the church, and
let them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith
will save them up. And if they have committed sins, they will be forgiven”.
The Celebration of the Anointing of the Sick varies widely in different cultures:
CATHOLIC TRADITION: In the Roman Catholic Church, the sacrament is typically
administered by a priest using blessed oil, with prayers for healing and forgiveness of
sins. It can be performed in hospitals, homes, or during Mass.
EXAMPLE: Consider Pedro, an elderly man who is diagnosed with a severe illness. In
his Catholic Traditions, the family invites a priest to administer the Anointing of the Sick.
The priest arrives at their home, and the family gathers around Pedro. During the
ceremony, the priest anoints Pedro’s forehead and hands with blessed oil, reciting
prayers, creating a supportive atmosphere which addresses Pedro’s spiritual need but also
reinforces familial bonds and community support during a challenging time.
EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCHES: In these traditions, the sacrament may involve
multiple priests and is often more communal, focusing on both physical and spiritual
healing. The anointing is not limited to those near death but can be given to anyone
suffering from serious illness.
EXAMPLE: If Pedro were part of an eastern orthodox community, the priest might bring
along several other clergy members to perform a more elaborate ritual with multiple
anointings and prayers, emphasizing the communal aspect of healing.
PROTESTANTS PRACTICES: Many protestant denominations view the anointing as
a prayer for healing rather than a sacrament. The emphasis may be more on personal faith
and less on ritual. With laypersons sometimes involved in the process.
EXAMPLE: Imagine Pedro’s neighbor, Juan, a protestant, also falls seriously ill. Instead
of a formal anointing, Juan’s family and church community gather for a prayer service at
his bedside. The pastor leads prayers for healing and offers words of encouragement and
faith, emphasizing God’s grace and mercy.
INDIGENOUS TRADITIONS: Some indigenous cultures incorporate their spiritual
beliefs into the practice of healing, using local herbs and rituals alongside Christian
sacraments, blending traditional healing methods with the Anointing of the Sick.
EXAMPLE: Consider a different scenario where Juan’s cousin, Maria, who lives in a
remote area and practices a blend of indigenous Filipino spirituality and Christianity,
becomes gravely ill. Maria’s family might seek the help of both a traditional healer
(albularyo) and a pastor. The albularyo might perform a ritual cleansing using herbs and
chants, believing in the power of nature to restore balance and health. Simultaneously, the
pastor would offer prayers and anointing, blending indigenous spiritual practices with
Christian faith to provide a holistic approach to healing.
PASTORAL CARE AND COMPASSION
Pastoral Care and Compassion is a vital aspect of spiritual care that involves offering
comfort, support, and guidance to individuals who are experiencing illness, suffering, or other
difficult life circumstances. It's about accompanying them on their journey, providing a listening
ear, and offering words of hope and encouragement. It recognizes that healing involves not just
the physical body but also the emotional, spiritual, and social well-being of the person.
Accompanying and caring for the sick is an integral part of the sacrament because it
embodies the love and compassion of God. It's about being present with someone in their time of
need, offering a tangible expression of God's love and care. This presence can be deeply
comforting and reassuring, offering strength and hope in times of uncertainty and fear.
SITUATIONAL EXAMPLE:
Imagine a patient named Maria is recovering from a serious surgery. She is feeling
overwhelmed by pain and fear. A pastoral caregiver, recognizing her need for both physical and
spiritual care, visits her. They offer a kind word, a prayer, and a listening ear. They help Maria
connect with her faith and find strength in her belief. The caregiver's presence provides comfort
and reassurance, reminding Maria that she is not alone in her struggle. This act of accompanying
and caring for the sick is a tangible expression of God's love and compassion.
