The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the Perspective of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, “Sacrosanctum Concilium”

Abstract

The Constitution on the Holy Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium was the first document adopted by the Second Vatican Council, which took a significant Step in renewing the liturgy, including the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick Therefore, this article discusses the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in the perspective of the Constitution on the Holy Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium: abandoning the name Last Anointing, returning to the name Anointing of the Sick; instructing that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick be given to every baptized person whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age and not only in the face of death; not limiting the number of anointings of the sick, but instructing to rationally take into account the existing circumstances in which the anointing is required. The close connection of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to other sacraments, that is, the sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, is discussed. It is revealed that the Sacrament of the Sick is administered in the context of two sacraments: the sick is anointed after the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Communion. The article also discusses the fruits provided by the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick — a special gift of the Holy Spirit, union with Christ's suffering, an ecclesial grace, preparation for the last journey — which the baptized are invited to properly experience during illness. KEYWORDS: Vatican 11 Council. Sacrosanctum Concilium. Anointing of the Sick. Liturgy.