After a prayer service that includes music tapes with such themes as life, forgiveness, creation, ministry and trust, the priest asks Mr. Bernard to pick a song he likes. He always brings the music, and it creates a mood. One of the key moments in the sacrament is the imposition of hands, an ancient tradition that Father Forno explains to those present. The gesture indicates that Mr. Bernard is the object of the Church's prayer of faith, and is a sign of blessing as the Church prays for his health and strength. This laying on of hands in the Anointing of the Sick is primarily the priest's role, but Father Forno doesn't exclude family members if they're present.
Nobody's a passive observer in the sacrament.
Renewed Father Forno allows Mr. Bernard to smell the sacred oils used in anointing and has explained the ways in which oils, crushed from olives, traditionally have been used in cultures for physical and psycho-spiritual healing. Father Forno anoints Mr. Bernard's forehead and palms of his hands, and he breaks the bread of Communion with him before concluding his visit, which lasts about an hour. All this makes a difference to Mr. Bernard, who often is weak and easily gets tired but feels rejuvenated after Father Forno anoints him. It gives you a feeling of peace and fullness, and you feel very good spiritually. Final contact Father Forno knows how much it means to Mr. Bernard when he receives the Anointing of the Sick.