An explanation.
Years ago, Anointing of the Sick was called Extreme Unction and it was only administered to those who were in danger of death, or known to be dying. Sacraments and prayers together were—and still are—called "Last Rites" and they prepared the soul for the death of the body.
The Catholic custom of the sick call set developed long ago, when most people died in their homes. Catholics kept these special sets on hand to provide everything necessary for the Anointing of the Sick. A sick call set consists of a wooden Crucifix, with hollowed spaces in the interior. Sliding the lid downward reveals the interior compartments which hold white taper candles and a holy water bottle all stored in preparation for a "sick call." Candles are inserted into the base and the holy water is used to anoint the sick, or if a priest is present will use oil.
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9 comments:
Thanks for explaining that, Marly. I grew up in a very Catholic family but had never seen or heard of The Sick Call set. I’m appalled that there aren’t priests available to administer the last rights. I totally understand that the grief gets worse as time goes on, but it does get easier as more time passes. Surround yourself with whatever makes you happy, Marly. Thinking of you….Cherie in WI
Good morning, Marly. I went back to your December 30, 2011 post. What you said that Carole would say might give you a smile or a chuckle. You taught me everything I know, now, about stitching and finishing a pillow. Thank you ! Hoping now that my fingers will let me continue to stitch. I found your "Sick call" information interesting and touching. I grew up in the Methodist church. Hugs
I am a Cradle Catholic and, although aware of the Sacraments, was not aware of the Sick Call Crucifix. Your sister must've been a very good Catholic woman. There's something very comforting in that.
Thank you for taking the time to explain this all. What a touching tradition. Carole's box is very beautiful. ~Robin~
Thank you for explaining about this Sick Call set.....very interesting!
I will ask my daughter in law if she knows about this set-- she is Catholic from Slowakije and we are Dutch Reformed.
Take your time to grief-- there is no time you can say and now it's over and the days are normal again.....do whatever you like to do.
Take care and a big hug,Truus from Holland
Interesting info on the Sick Call set. Also interesting that some of your Catholic-raised readers comment they'd never hear of them. I'm impressed that it still has all the pieces yet. Maybe there was fear of invoking bad luck if it was split up?
It seems owning your own “sick call set”(formerly known as Last Rites” was once a necessity. My grandmother had one and when she wasn’t paying attention us cousins would play priest with it. I can’t imagine what she would have done if she caught us! Pray for vocations! We do need more priests. Our current pastor is 80yrs old. An amazing man who as he said keeps trying to retire but God finds more work for him to do.
In the Orthodox Church we have Holy Unction the week before Easter, where we are all anointed by the priests by holy oil every year. Also, any time we are ill, we can call for the priest and he will anoint us with holy oil and pray for us. The same exact thing can be done in the Catholic Church, even though there is a shortage of priests. You just need to approach the priest and ask for it.
Marly, I am aghast and frankly ashamed that none of the Catholic priests in your area would come to the hospital to administer Last Rites for Carole, or even to visit her if requested. When we called for our parish priest to come to the house to administer Last Rites to my mother in June, he was not available, but a priest from an adjoining parish was there within an hour.
My parents had a 'sick call' crucifix which was given to them as a housewarming present. It hung over their bed for over 70 years and was ultimately distributed to one of their grandsons. The upright set you found at Carole's is a unique treasure. It is truly a shame that its history is lost.
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