By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis has called on Christians worldwide to focus their prayers on the pastoral care of the sick for the month of July 2024. This invitation was conveyed through The Pope Video, which aligns with his monthly prayer intention.
In the video, Pope Francis emphasized that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not solely for those nearing death. He challenged the notion that receiving the sacrament implies imminent death, describing such a belief as a hopeless vision. Instead, he highlighted that the Anointing of the Sick is one of the “sacraments of healing” and “restoration,” aimed at healing the spirit.
The Pope noted that the sacrament is particularly important for those who are ill, especially the elderly. He advised that it is appropriate to administer the Anointing of the Sick when a person is seriously ill. He concluded by expressing his hope that the sacrament will be recognized more widely as a sign of compassion and hope.
A press release from the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which produces The Pope Video, revealed that the video was filmed with assistance from the US dioceses of Allentown and Los Angeles. The video uses visual storytelling to depict scenarios where the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be administered, intertwining two stories of illness that differ in age and clinical situation to demonstrate how God’s love is manifested through the sacrament.
Fr. Frédéric Fornos, SJ, International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, explained that the Pope wants Catholics to rethink their understanding of the sacrament. Pope Francis hopes believers will rediscover the full depth and true meaning of the Anointing of the Sick, not just as a preparation for death, but as a sacrament that provides consolation during serious illness and strength to both the sick and their caregivers.
