Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians experience pain as do all other people, but their faith helps them to understand the mystery of suffering and to bear their pain with greater fortitude. Through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness and provides them with the strongest means of support. The celebration of the Sacrament consists of the laying on of hands, offering the prayer of faith, and the anointing with the Oil of the Sick. The Letter of St. James tells us: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.” (James 5:14-15) Therefore, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be offered in the chapel every first Sunday of the month after the 10:30am Chinese Mass. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is intended for persons whose health is seriously impaired by illness or old age.
