“This sacrament should be approached in a spirit of great confidence, like the leper in the Gospel…even the desperateness of the man’s condition did not stop him from approaching Jesus with trust. We too must believe in Christ’s healing love and reaffirm that nothing will separate us from that love… as you live the Passion of Christ you strengthen the Church by the witness of your faith. You proclaim by your patience, your endurance and your joy the mystery of Christ’s redeeming power.”
“Are there people among you sick? Let them send for the priests of the Church and let the priests pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick persons, and the Lord will raise them up. If they have committed any sins, their sins will be forgiven them. ”
(James 5:14-15).
This sacrament unites those who are suffering with the saving and healing power of Jesus. Through this sacrament the infirm and those people who are physically or mentally unwell 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. Suffering is a part of life, but Jesus unites our suffering with his passion and death so that we can participate in his divine life and mission. The sacrament also reminds us that God wants to give comfort to the suffering and wants us to relieve suffering where we can.
The priest anoints the seriously ill, injured or the elderly with the oil of the sick which has been blessed by the Bishop during Holy Week. The priest anoints the sick person on the forehead, saying, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” He also anoints the sick person on the hands, saying, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up. Amen.” The “raising” refers to spiritual healing, as well as any physical healing that may take place.
In addition to the anointing, the sick person is often offered Holy Communion, the bread of life. When a person is dying, this Holy Communion is called viaticum (“on the way with you”) as we pray that the person will now journey with Jesus to the Heavenly Father and eternal life.
Anointing sometimes occurs in a church and is given to the sick or elderly in a community setting. But more usually, it takes place in homes, nursing homes and hospitals. For example, a person who is going to have surgery may be anointed.
The sacrament may be received more than once, for example, when a sick person’s condition worsens.
Please let us know if you or a loved one are admitted to the hospital and/or are in danger of death, so that a priest may come to visit you and celebrate this Sacrament with you as soon as possible. Contact the Parish Secretary for more details
If you are in a hospital, please ask to see the Catholic chaplain.
Additionally, if you are preparing for any serious surgery or are suffering from any serious illness please contact the parish office and ask for the Sacrament of the Sick. Contact the Parish Secretary for more details
In December 1917, at the invitation of Fr O’Grady, the Sisters of Mercy, opened their convent in Cambridge Park, the stables being converted into a temporary Church.
Later, the foundation stone of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead was blessed by Arthur Doubleday, the then Bishop of Brentwood, in July 1927.
The Church has been sustained by the people of God here in Wanstead for 100 years. Long may the faith continue to grow and thrive here.
Photos used are copyright and property of Our Lady of Lourdes Wanstead and Greg Gumbrell
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