What Is the Anointing of the Sick? | Catholic Sacraments Explained
What Catholics Believe
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13-Jul-2026
What is the Anointing of the Sick, and is this Catholic sacrament only intended for someone who is near death? Dr. Michael Barber explains the biblical foundations of the Anointing of the Sick, who can receive it, and why Catholics should not wait until the final moments of life to call a priest.
Drawing from the Gospel of Mark and the Letter of James, Dr. Barber explores why the Church anoints the sick with oil and prays for their healing, salvation, and forgiveness. He also explains how the sacrament strengthens those facing serious illness, advanced age, mental illness, or difficult medical procedures.
Discover how the Anointing of the Sick is connected to Baptism and how it offers grace, spiritual healing, forgiveness, and strength to unite our suffering more closely with the Passion of Jesus Christ.
Watch "Eternal Rest" on Formed: https://app.formed.org/app/collections/770628
Purchase "he Bible and the Anointing of the Sick: Healing in Christ by Dr. Michael Barber" by Dr. Michael Barber: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1540960994?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback
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