To Free, Save, and Raise Up

The revised translation of the Order of the Anointing of the Sick and of their Pastoral Care is an opportunity for the church to recommit to pastoral care of the sick. It is also an opportunity to catechize the faithful anew on the heightened importance of Viaticum and the church’s sacramental life when a person is in danger of death. In Paul Turner offers a commentary on this ritual book, with pastoral insights for priests and deacons who use it in their ministry, as well as important background on the Second Vatican Council’s changes to the sacraments for the sick, the deliberations that produced the revised rite, and the translation process. This practical guide serves as a helpful resource for priests, deacons, and all who participate in this important ministry.

Paul Turner is pastor of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City, Missouri, and director of the Office of Divine Worship for the Diocese of Kansas City––St. Joseph. He holds a doctorate in sacred theology from Sant’ Anselmo in Rome. The 2025 Catholic Media Association’s Author of the Year, Turner is also a past president of the North American Academy of Liturgy, and a member of Societas Liturgica and the Catholic Academy of Liturgy. He is the author of numerous books published by Liturgical Press and a contributor to Give Us This Day. Visit his website at paulturner.org.