The elderly and sick from throughout southern California gatheredrnto receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick from Archbishop José H.rnGomez on Saturday, Feb. 10 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels inrndowntown Los Angeles. Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron, from the Santa Barbararnpastoral region, served at homilist.
The Anointing of the Sick is administered by the bishop andrnpriests to offer prayers and strength to the souls of the sick through therngrace of the Holy Spirit. The Anointing of the Sick and Mass are co-hosted byrnthe Cathedral and the Western Association of the Order of Malta in observancernof the 2018 World Day of the Sick and the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.
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“During World Day of the Sick, we ask our Blessed Mother'srnintercession for all those who are suffering in body, mind, spirit or soul —rnthose who are sick and those who are disabled; those facing any diseases orrnterminal illnesses,” Archbishop Gomez said. rn“We pray also for all those who assume the beautiful responsibility ofrntaking care of their own loved ones. The husband who is caring for his ailingrnwife. The sons and daughters caring for aging parents. The parents taking carernof a child with special needs.”
Anointing of the Sick is among the Sacraments,rnsuch as Baptism and Confirmation, during which Catholics are anointed with HolyrnOils. When administering the Sacrament, the priest dips his thumb in Holy Oil,rnanoints the forehead and palms of the hands and says, “Through this holyrnanointing may the Lord in His love and mercy help you with the grace of thernHoly Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”
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