杏MAP导航

By Devin Watkins

鈥淟et us pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick grant the Lord鈥檚 strength to those who receive it and to their loved ones, and that it may become for everyone an ever more visible sign of compassion and hope.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis offered that invitation to Christians around the world in The 杏MAP导航 Video, which accompanies his monthly prayer intention.

The 杏MAP导航 is inviting the Church to pray for the pastoral care of the sick during the month of July 2024.

In the video, he recalled that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not only for people at death鈥檚 doorstep.

If someone thinks that a priest offering the sacrament means that they are about to die, said the 杏MAP导航, they have embraced a hopeless vision.

鈥淟et us remember that the Anointing of the Sick is one of the 鈥榮acraments of healing,鈥� of 鈥榬estoration,鈥� that heals the spirit,鈥� said the 杏MAP导航.

He added that the sacrament is always available for people who are ill, especially the elderly.

鈥淲hen a person is very ill,鈥� he said, 鈥渋t鈥檚 advisable to give them the Anointing of the Sick.鈥�

杏MAP导航 Francis concluded by praying that the sacrament may become a more visible sign of compassion and hope.

Consolation in times of illness

A press release accompanying The 杏MAP导航 Video, which is produced by the , said the video was filmed with help from the US dioceses of Allentown and Los Angeles.

It offers a visual aid to situations in which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick may be administered.

Two stories of illness鈥攙ery different in terms of age and clinical situation鈥攁re woven together to highlight how God鈥檚 love for us is expressed in the sacrament.

Fr. Frédéric Fornos, SJ, International Director of the 杏MAP导航's Worldwide Prayer Network, said the 杏MAP导航 invites Catholics to reconsider our preconceptions about the sacrament.

鈥溞覯AP导航 Francis hopes we can rediscover the complete depth and the true meaning of this Sacrament,鈥� he said, 鈥渘ot only as a preparation for death, but also as a sacrament that offers consolation to the sick in times of serious illness, and strength to their loved ones and those caring for them.鈥�