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Since the beginning of Christianity special olive oil has been used to put on the sick and dying. The oil has had prayers said over it by a priest to give it a spiritual power. It is believed to strengthen and console the sick or dying person.
The prayers the priest says when he puts the oil on the sick person are: |
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An olive branch |
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Whenever a Catholic is seriously sick or dying, their family asks for a priest to come and anoint them with this special oil. |
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"I'd imagine I'd be glad of anything if I were sick and it would make me feel better."
"Sounds a bit superstitious to me, but I've no objections if it helps someone who's really suffering."
"My grandmother received the Anointing of the Sick. There was a real peace in the room where she was after that. It remained even after she had passed away." |
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| This is a website of the Catholic Enquiry Office; part of an Agency of the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales |
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The oil is believed to give the person receiving it help to carry their illness and/or prepare for death. Usually, it brings peace and comfort to the suffering person. It also has the effect of cleansing them spiritually which is called "the remission of sins".
The oil removes from the sick person's spirit the negative trace of wrongs they might have done, bringing them back to full spiritual health before (particularly in the case of the dying) they meet their maker.
The oil has been known to miraculously heal people. |
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What do you think might help you in a time of illness and/or prepare for death? |
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Your guide for this section is Lloyd. He is 56, and lives in London. Click here to read his story. |
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