The Holy Sacraments of Penance and Anointing as Therapeutic Means in Pastoral Ministry

Today, more and more physicians, psychiatrists, and even ordinary people are exploring the psychosomatic connections between psychological illnesses. In this context, the regular administration of the sacraments of Confession and Anointing—both as part of the Church’s liturgical life and, even more im-portantly, outside the temple, such as by the hospital bed or wherever the suffering person may be—can serve as therapeutic means of pastoral ministry. These sacraments represent an expression of God’s love and spiritual care.