Date: 7/2/2025
Prot. No: (1) 193 /20205
Dear priests, consecrated men and women,
Dear faithful,
Peace of Christ,
We invite you to celebrate the World Day of the Sick on February 11, which falls next Tuesday, and to administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. You may choose readings from the liturgy of the Anointing of the Sick, or any miracle of healing performed by Jesus to speak in the homily about the effects of this Sacrament. This sacrament, established by our Lord, is for the healing of the sick and for the forgiveness of sins for those who, due to their health condition, are unable to approach the sacrament of reconciliation. In all cases, the anointing helps the sick bear their pain in union with the suffering of Jesus Christ.
The rite can be postponed until the following Sunday, February 16, so that you can inform the faithful and prepare those in need to receive the sacrament with faith and piety.
For more useful information to help prepare our parishioners, you can read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, from No. 1499 to No. 1525.
Persons who may accept this rite are:
- Patients suffering from incurable diseases, regardless of their age and illness. It can be given to those with high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, neurological and psychological diseases, or those about to undergo surgery.
- The elderly whose strength has weakened and who need the gift of courage that the anointing can provide.
Patients who are unable to attend on that day can be anointed at home when they receive Communion on the first Friday of the month. Recipients are kindly invited to approach the sacrament of reconciliation in advance.
Please inform mothers not to request the sacrament for their children without a reason.
I hope that the celebration will be full of hope and faith.
+Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa
Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
