Anointing of the Sick: Manifestation of God’s Love and Mercy to His people

Fr. Ariel, SFDA parish priest, lays his hands over Ma’am Lariego as he administers the sacrament of anointing of the sick

There are a lot of things by which God’s love and mercy can be seen and manifested. It could be seen in the eyes of a child longing for a mother’s love. It could also be seen in the smile of a teacher after an engaging and meaningful class. Surely, these scenarios tell us that indeed, God is merciful and compassionate.

Other than this, God’s love and mercy can also be seen in the people afflicted with disease and illnesses. Hence, this love of the father is manifested in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

According to Catholic Answers website, the anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

In connection with this, the SFDA-Parish Pastoral Council, spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Ariel Celeste, OSJ decided to have a monthly administration of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. Fr. Ariel and his team will be visiting sick people of the parish from different GKKs every month.

Last March 9, 2016, Fr. Ariel together with his team of Pangulo sa Alagad members, visited the sick people from GKK San Isidro Labrador of Purok Orchids in Tagakpan. One of the sick people visited was Ma’am Josefina Lariego, a retired public school teacher.

Ma’am Lariego, as everyone in Tagakpan calls her, is bedridden because of breast cancer. She can hardly stand because of the complication brought about by cancer.

Because of this predicament that Ma’am Lariego and her family experience, the parish has decided that she will be one of the people who will be receiving the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.

While Father Ariel administered the sacrament, it can be seen in the aura of Ma’am Lariego that she is in deep prayerful mode. It can also be seen in her face that despite the sufferings that she experiences, she is still grateful to God for everything. This is clearly the manifestation of God’s love and mercy from one of the people afflicted with pain.

The family is grateful to the parish and to the Lord for having this kind of opportunity that would make their faith to God stronger. The administration of the sacrament gave strength and hope not only to Ma’am Lariego, but also to the people around her who continuously pray for everyone’s welfare in the family.

Indeed, God is always there for us whenever, wherever. He is truly merciful to those who fear and love Him. (Jeffren P. Miguel, SocCom)