The Anointing of the Sick and Chronic Illness

The Anointing of the Sick is often associated with end-of-life situations. But the Church teaches it’s for anyone seriously ill or facing surgery. Where does chronic illness like celiac disease fit?

What the Sacrament Is

The Anointing of the Sick:

• Is administered by a priest
• Involves anointing with blessed oil
• Includes prayer for healing (spiritual and physical)
• Offers the grace of the Holy Spirit
• Forgives sins (if the person cannot confess)
• Unites the person with Christ’s suffering

It’s not just “Last Rites”, that’s a common misconception. It’s for the seriously ill, not only the dying.

Who Can Receive It

The Catechism (CCC 1514-1515) says the sacrament is for:

• Anyone in danger of death from illness or old age
• Those facing serious surgery
• The elderly whose health is notably declining
• Those who are seriously ill

The illness should be “serious”, not a cold or minor injury.

Does Celiac Disease Qualify?

The Case for Yes

Celiac disease is:

• A serious autoimmune condition
• Potentially life-threatening if untreated
• A lifelong condition requiring ongoing management
• Associated with significant complications

At certain points, celiac might qualify:

• At diagnosis (especially if severely ill)
• During a severe glutening episode
• When facing significant complications
• During periods of notable decline

The Case for Uncertainty

Celiac disease is also:

• Manageable with diet
• Not immediately life-threatening for most
• Relatively stable once treated

A celiac in good control might not be “seriously ill” in the way the sacrament envisions.

The Prudent Approach

Talk to your priest. Explain:

• Your condition
• How it affects you
• Any particular health concerns or decline

Let him help you discern whether the sacrament is appropriate.

When Anointing Might Make Sense

At Diagnosis

If you were severely ill at diagnosis:

• Significant malnutrition
• Serious complications
• Real health danger

This could warrant anointing.

During Complications

If celiac causes or contributes to:

• Severe nutritional deficiency
• Refractory celiac disease
• Associated cancers
• Other serious conditions

Anointing is appropriate.

Before Surgery

If celiac-related issues require surgery, you can be anointed.

During Severe Episodes

A particularly bad glutening with serious symptoms might warrant anointing, especially if:

• You’re hospitalized
• Your health is significantly threatened
• Recovery is uncertain

Periodic Renewal

The sacrament can be received multiple times:

• If your condition worsens
• If a significant time has passed and illness continues
• During new stages of the illness

What You Receive

Spiritual Graces

The sacrament provides:

• Comfort and peace
• Courage to face illness
• Spiritual healing
• Union with Christ’s passion
• Forgiveness of sins
• Preparation for death (if that’s the situation)

Physical Healing?

The Church prays for physical healing, but doesn’t guarantee it:

• Sometimes physical healing occurs
• Sometimes the grace is more spiritual
• The sacrament doesn’t replace medical care

For celiac, you might hope for:

• Strength to manage the condition
• Healing of complications
• Peace with your situation
• Not a miraculous cure that lets you eat gluten (that’s not how this works)

The Theology of Chronic Illness

Celiac disease doesn’t go away. You carry it daily. This is different from acute illness that resolves.

United with Christ’s Suffering

Chronic illness unites you with Christ’s ongoing suffering:

• His passion was a moment, but its effects are eternal
• Your illness is ongoing, and so is your participation in his suffering
• This suffering has redemptive value

Sanctification Through Illness

Illness can be sanctifying:

• It strips away illusions of control
• It creates dependence on God
• It builds compassion for others
• It reorders priorities

This doesn’t mean God “gave” you celiac for your own good. It means grace can work through it.

The “Why” Question

Chronic illness raises questions:

• Why me?
• Why this?
• Where is God in this?

The sacrament doesn’t answer these questions. It offers presence and grace in the midst of them.

How to Request Anointing

From Your Parish Priest

Simply ask:

“Father, I have celiac disease and I’d like to discuss whether receiving the Anointing of the Sick would be appropriate for me. Can we talk about it?”

When the Parish Offers It

Some parishes offer communal anointing:

• Special Masses with anointing for the sick
• Often during Lent or around World Day of the Sick
• You can participate if you have a serious illness

In Hospital

Hospital chaplains can arrange anointing if you’re seriously ill.

Living as an Anointed Person

If you receive the sacrament:

• You carry its grace forward
• You remain united with Christ in your illness
• You can receive it again if your condition changes
• The grace continues to work

A Prayer for Those Considering Anointing

Lord, I carry this illness daily.

I don’t know if it’s “serious enough” for this sacrament. I don’t know what I’m supposed to receive.

Guide me to what’s right. If anointing is for me, let me receive it with an open heart. If not yet, give me peace with that too.

Either way, heal me as You see fit, body, mind, spirit. Unite my suffering with Yours.

I place my health in Your hands.

Amen.

Conclusion

Celiac disease may or may not qualify for the Anointing of the Sick at any given moment. The sacrament is meant for serious illness, and celiac can range from well-managed to severe.

Consult your priest. Be open to what the Spirit offers. Remember that the sacrament is there to help you, not to judge whether you’re sick enough.

If you’re carrying something heavy, the Church has graces for that. Ask for them.