There is no virtual sacrament of anointing of the sick.
Archdiocese of Manila Apostolic Administrator Bishop Broderick Pabillo said this in reaction to a viral video that has been circulating on the virtual anointing of the sick.
In his homily during the Chrism Mass at the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros on Wednesday, March 31, the prelate explained that although this may be a way of praying for the sick, it is not the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
"There is no virtual sacrament of anointing of the sick. It is necessary for priests to anoint the sick with oil and with the proper prayers, in order to have the sacrament," Pabillo said.
This, he said, is also the reason why they decided to push through with the Chrism Mass despite the enhanced community quarantine so that the chrism oil and oil of the sick can be distributed to parishes.
The Archdiocese of Manila said it is during the Chrism Mass that the bishop blesses the oil of Chrism, which is going to be used in baptism, confirmation, ordination of a priest and bishop, and also at the dedication of a church or an altar.
Pabillo, meantime, reminded the faithful that they are gifted with the faith in order to give the faith.
"May we be vigorous and courageous in our Christianity," he said.
The Chrism Mass is also one of the principal expressions of the fullness of the Bishop’s priesthood.
During this Mass, all the priests gather at their respective diocesan cathedrals as a sign of unity with the bishop as well as the brotherhood among the priests.