You can receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick as many times as needed, provided the conditions for its reception are met. There is no limit to how frequently an individual can receive this sacrament.
Understanding the Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and comfort administered by a priest to those who are seriously ill, experiencing chronic conditions, facing surgery, or are in danger of death. It is not exclusively for those at the very end of life, but rather for anyone whose health is gravely impaired.
When Can You Receive It?
The Church teaches that the Anointing of the Sick can be received whenever a person begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age. This includes a variety of circumstances:
- Serious Illness: When a person falls seriously ill.
- Chronic Conditions: Individuals battling a chronic illness that significantly impacts their well-being.
- Before Surgery: Prior to a serious operation.
- Worsening Condition: If an illness becomes more grave.
- Old Age: When elderly individuals become weakened by age, even if no specific critical illness is present.
This means that if a person's condition worsens, they fall ill again, or they face another significant medical event, they are eligible to receive the sacrament anew.
Practical Examples of Multiple Receptions
Consider the following scenarios where an individual might receive the Anointing of the Sick multiple times:
- A person with a chronic heart condition receives the sacrament. Months later, their condition deteriorates significantly, and they are hospitalized. They can receive the sacrament again.
- An elderly individual receives the anointing when their general health declines due to age. A year later, they fall and break a hip, requiring major surgery. They can receive it before the surgery.
- Someone battling cancer receives the sacrament during their initial diagnosis. If their cancer later recurs or progresses, they are eligible to receive it again.
- A person suffers from a severe depressive episode and receives the sacrament. If they later experience another grave health crisis (physical or mental), they may receive it again.
The Purpose of the Sacrament
The Anointing of the Sick provides spiritual strength, peace, and courage to the recipient, often bringing physical comfort as well. It offers:
- A deepening of trust in God.
- Forgiveness of sins (if the sick person is unable to confess them).
- The strength to endure suffering.
- Preparation for eternal life, if it is God's will.
It is a profound source of grace, supporting the individual in their time of need. For more information on the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, you can refer to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
