Sacraments: Anointing, Orders, Marriage, and More
Anointing of the Sick
Biblical Foundations: Reflects Jesus’ attitude towards the sick.
Human Experience: The person receiving the Anointing of the Sick acknowledges the limitations of their nature and may feel the finiteness of existence. This sacrament is a call to encounter God during a time of personal suffering. From Christian hope, we believe that God can ultimately bring freedom from disease.
- The Anointing of the Sick is administered before a serious surgical operation, in case of serious illness, and to the elderly.
How is it Administered?
- Individually: In the case of an operation.
- Collectively: For most people. Often offered annually for those over 80, or for people of any age suffering a serious illness.
What Does it Provide?
Forgiveness of sins. God’s forgiveness gives the patient confidence to recover health. For those who are about to die, it strengthens their confidence and prepares them for the final encounter with Him.
Symbols
Anointing: The priest administers oil and makes the sign of the cross on the forehead of the person receiving the sacrament. This expresses the strength of receiving the Holy Spirit to help overcome illness or suffering.
Holy Orders (Ministerial Order)
Biblical Foundations: Reflects Jesus’ willingness to serve others as equals in ministry.
Human Experience: Full dedication and service to others (the Christian community).
Rite of Priesthood: The priest freely undertakes the building of the Kingdom of God and makes a commitment for life.
The priest has the following obligations:
- To proclaim the Word of God
- To be a witness of the Gospel of Christ
- To build, meet, and increase the People of God
- To live a life devoted to the needs of others
Symbols:
- The primary symbol is the imposition of hands by the bishop, enabling the ordained to perform all the priestly duties. Other priests also lay hands on the newly ordained.
- Vestments: Initially, deacons wear a stole crossed over their chest. During the ordination, the other priests help the newly ordained put on the priestly vestments: first, the stole is adjusted, and then the chasuble is put on. The garment underneath is always white and is called an alb.
Vestment colors change depending on the liturgical year:
- Easter – Purple
- Solemn Feasts – White
- Christmas – Red
- Ordinary Time – Green
- Immaculate Conception – Blue
- Ascension – Pink
- Ring: It symbolizes the covenant made with God.
- Litanies: All the saints are called upon, and prayers are offered. It is noted that “dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” This represents the communion of saints, the conviction that others have gone before and that one will not be alone.
Vows
- Poverty
- Obedience
- Chastity
Marriage
Biblical Foundations: Represents the union of a man and a woman. Such unions have always existed in civilization.
Human Experience: Love between a man and a woman. The couple promises to love each other before the Church and God, to respect each other, to love each other, and to have children.
Other Celebrations
These are less formal but often hold great devotion for people. They are a way for people to express their faith.
There are two types:
Public:
- Processions
- Pilgrimages
- “Romeiros” (specific type of pilgrimage)
Private:
- Individuals: People choose to go alone to pray.
- Collective: Celebrations performed by a group of people that are not dictated by the liturgical year. A group of people meets to review their lives, reflect on how their lives align with the Word of God, and make a commitment until the next year.