Book Description

This is a book for everybody who may be interested in health and happiness in his life here on earth, and in salvation in heaven in the next life. It will be of particular interest to all those involved in the healing ministry in any way. It is aimed especially at those who may be unaware of the very existence of such a ministry, or those who may be somewhat sceptical about it. It is also for all those people in need of physical and mental healing, and who have little or no idea of the important role that the spirit has to play in the healing of the whole person. The book traces the history of the healing ministry in the Church, beginning with Jesus Christ and the apostle. It traces the development of the healing ministry in the early Church, and how this ministry and the sacrament of anointing of the sick gradually became identified with death and dying, and as a result almost died out as a sacrament for those who were sick. It deals with the revival of the healing ministry in modern times, and examines the thorough reformation of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick inaugurated by Vatican II. The author discusses some of the reasons why the healing ministry has not been given the priority it deserves in the pastoral ministry of the Church, and some of the many misunderstandings about this ministry. Finally he discusses how it may be profitable be more fully used in a world that is badly in need of healing.