Sick
Part 2 History

Chapter 30 After Vatican II [1975-2050 CE]

Secular History

Church History

Ministry to the Sick and Dying

Secular History

1. 

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Church History

Liturgical Translation, ICEL, and Vox Clara    A shift "below the iceberg" has taken place regarding the translation of liturgical texts.  “Comme le prevoit: On the Translation of Liturgical Texts for Celebrations with a Congregation (1969)”  is replaced by Liturgiam authenticam:  The Fifth Instruction for the Right Application of the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council." March 28, 2001.   ICEL is reorganized.    Vox Clara is established. 

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Ministry to the Sick

December 1975 BCL asked for a broad based consultation from those using the Interim Rite.  They ask about 1) The translation of the text; 2) The layout and presentation of the rite; 3) The selection and position of the scripture readings; 4) The use and adequacy of individual rubrics; 5) The use and adequacy of individual rubrics; 6) Suggested additions to the rite or its general introduction; 7) Suggest adaptations for the dioceses of the United States; 8) Suggestions as to how the rite might be made more pastorally useful.

1983 Sept 01  Pastoral Care of the Sick:  Rites of Anointing and Viaticum (USA)

Questions of minister

Communal Celebrations at Sunday Eucharist  As the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy stated:   "It is to be stressed that whenever rites, according to their specific nature, make provision for communal celebration involving the presence and active participation of the faithful, this way of celebrating them is to be preferred, so far as possible, to a celebration that is individual and quasi-private."  (SC 27)  This begins to be applied also to the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.  Paul the VI himself presides at communal Anointings in St. Peter's Basilica and speaks very positively of these healing experiences. 

ANGEL postings

Effects of lack of priests. Question of how sick one must be to receive sacrament. Discussion of what gets healed through the sacrament – body, mind, spirit.

Matter - olive oil preferred. Rite for communal celebration. For healing mind, spirit, body. 'Seriously ill' definition still debated. Laity often confused understanding the Sacrament.

Anoint for seriously ill still in effect, first onset of serious illness, viaticum, food for journey is last sacrament received, communal anointing, sacrament confers grace of healing body, mind and spirit which includes forgiveness of sin, overall pastoral thrust, widens understanding of priest/minister and recipient [Tom R – I don't think it was "confusion" -- It was (and is) simply that the bishops hold different theologies of the sacrament -- They are more confident than confused; it is just that they don't agree.]

The old ideas attached to "Extreme Unction" are slowly fading as familiarity with the new "Rite of Pastoral Care for the Sick" takes hold. The new rite emphasizes that the sick are to be cared for by all in the community (33) through prayers, visits, anointing, and viaticum.

Use subjected to varying interpretations and limited availability; Need for more catechesis of both clergy and laity. Communal anointing not yet fully utilized or realized.

Ecumenical convergence: Eastern Orthodox/Anglican Communion anoint; Episcopal - ministry of word and laying on of hands; Lutheran; United Church of Christ; Presbyterian

AFTER VATICAN II sees the primacy of the experience vs. the doctrine and mechanics. Becomes a sacrament of wholeness of body, mind, spirit. Issues "Pastoral Care of the Sick: Rites of Anointing and Viaticum". Allows communal anointing. Variety of interpretations. Opens door for Eucharistic ministers as ministers to the sick and elderly.

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© Copyright: Tom Richstatter, Franciscan Province of St. John the Baptist, Cincinnati Ohio, Order of Friars Minor. All Rights Reserved.  This page was created by Fr. Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.  Every effort has been, and is being made, to acknowledge sources when the ideas are not my own.  Any failure to comply with the United States Copyright Act (Title 17, United States Code) will be corrected immediately should I become aware of it.  This site was updated on 10/07/08 .  Your comments on this site are welcome at tomrichs@psci.net.