Saturday, May 31
Liturgical Color: White
Today is the Feast of the Visitation of the
Blessed Virgin Mary. The Gospel of Luke
tells us that John the Baptist leapt for joy in
Elizabeth’s womb in the presence of Mary
carrying Jesus within her womb.
For whom is the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick intended?
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be received by any Catholic whose health is in a critical state.
One can receive the Anointing of the Sick several times in one's life. Therefore it makes sense for young people to ask for this sacrament also, if, for example, they are about to undergo a serious operation. On such occasions many Catholics combine the Anointing of the Sick with a (general) confession; in case the operation fails, they want to go to meet God with a clear conscience.
How is the Anointing of the Sick administered?
The essential ritual by which the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered consists of an anointing of the forehead and hands with holy oil, accompanied by prayers. (YOUCAT questions 243 & 244)
Dig Deeper: CCC section (1514-1519) and other references here.