On 27 and 28 January, the priests of the Diocese of Oradea (in north-western Romania), divided into two groups, participated in an ongoing formation course on the Anointing of the Sick, a statement from the Diocese informs. In the first part of the course, Father Pek Sando, pastor at the Cathedral of Oradea, spoke about the Sacrament from a biblical, historical, dogmatic and liturgical perspective. The priests also had the opportunity to share their experiences and seek common solutions to issues concerning pastoral practice. During the discussions, the role of catechesis in overcoming an erroneous perception of the Sacrament was highlighted, the practice of visiting the sick on the first Friday of each month was recalled, and the need to maintain contact with hospitals, nursing homes and other institutions was emphasised. The importance of spiritual accompaniment for the relatives of the sick was stressed, too, together with the support needed to face the reality of death. Furthermore, participants discussed the communal celebration of the Sacrament and those situations that require ecumenical sensitivity. The theme of funerals and of consoling grieving family members was also addressed. “The meeting – a statement reads – has strengthened the conviction among priests that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is not only a liturgical act, but a sign of the merciful closeness of Christ Who heals, consoles and gives hope”.