“Ask a Priest: Should I Let a Priest Know How an Anointing Seemed to Help Me?”

Q: I’m reaching out because my priest administered the anointing of the sick for me because I’m very ill. This was last month. I’ve changed nothing in my treatment, and all of a sudden, I’m in remission from my illness. This is truly a miracle and I have not yet informed my priest about this update. How do you thank a priest for being Jesus for you? I figured I would write him a thank you note; however, it’s hard to find the right words. My last question is, do you think it would mean something to him to share this experience with him and how it impacted me? Thank you! – J.E.

Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC

A: That is great to hear that you are in remission. One of the effects of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick is that God can bring physical healing if he wills (see Catechism 1520).

A note to the priest might be nice. Just use the same words you used, more or less, that you used in your question.

It would probably help the priest to hear about your improvement in health after reception of the anointing.

This can remind the priest of the marvelous way that Jesus is working through him.

I hope this helps. Count on my prayers.

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