Faith & Communion
Anointing of the Sick and chronic illness
When serious illness calls for the sacrament of Anointing, and how to speak with your priest about celiac disease.
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament for serious illness and the frailty of old age. It is not reserved for a person’s final hours. A Catholic whose health has become seriously compromised should ask a priest about receiving it.
A diagnosis of celiac disease does not by itself settle that question. The person’s present illness, complications, and overall condition matter.
When to speak with a priest
The Catechism, paragraphs 1514–1516, explains who receives the sacrament and identifies priests as its ministers. Contact the parish when illness becomes serious, before an operation connected with serious illness, or when an older person’s frailty becomes pronounced.
Explain what has changed in your health and what your medical team has told you. If celiac disease has led to serious complications or hospitalization, say so plainly. The priest can discern the appropriate pastoral and sacramental care with you.
A simple request is enough: “Father, my health has become more serious, and I would like to speak with you about Anointing of the Sick.” A family member can make that call on your behalf. In hospital, ask for the Catholic chaplain.
The grace of the sacrament
The Church prays for strength, peace, and courage in illness, and for the sick person’s union with Christ’s Passion. The sacrament also brings forgiveness of sins when the person is unable to receive the sacrament of Penance, and restoration of health when conducive to salvation. These effects are described in the Catechism, paragraphs 1520–1523.
Receiving Anointing does not remove the need for medical care or a gluten-free diet. Prayer for healing belongs alongside the ordinary care of the person.
Receiving the sacrament again
The sacrament may be repeated when a person recovers and later becomes seriously ill again, or when the same illness becomes more serious. The passage of time alone is not the criterion. Canon 1004 gives these conditions.
Care during a long illness
Even when Anointing is not called for, ask for pastoral support. A conversation with a priest, prayer with a parishioner, Confession, or a carefully arranged Communion visit can be valuable parts of life with chronic illness.
For a Communion visit, explain your celiac needs before the visit so that the parish can prepare appropriately. Family and friends can also help with meals, transport, and company. Such care gives practical expression to the Church’s concern for the sick.
Lord Jesus, remain close to those who are ill. Give them strength, bless those who care for them, and teach us to accompany one another with patience and love. Amen.