Which Sacrament gives spiritual healing and strength to a seriously ill person?

• A. Baptism
• B. Anointing of the Sick
• C. Eucharist
• D. Reconciliation

Answer: (B)

Anointing of the Sick is the sacrament that provides spiritual healing and strength to someone who is seriously ill. In this rite, a priest anoints the person’s forehead and hands with the oil of the sick and prays with the community. This grace unites the sufferer to Christ’s suffering, brings comfort and peace, helps them endure the illness, and offers forgiveness of sins if the person cannot confess. Physical healing may occur if it is God’s will, but the essential gift is spiritual healing and fortification for the journey through illness or danger of death. Baptism introduces a person into Christian life; Reconciliation offers forgiveness of sins; the Eucharist nourishes our life with Christ. For someone facing serious illness, Anointing of the Sick best expresses healing and strength.