Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

From the earliest days of the Church, the Anointing of the Sick was given to those who were suffering from illness or infirmity. In Scripture and the Christian tradition, sickness was often understood in relation to the effects of sin in the world, and healing was seen as a sign of God's power and mercy. Ancient sacramental and ritual texts indicate that the Oil of the Sick was used for both physical and mental afflictions. 

Because oil was widely used as a medicine in the ancient world, applied externally or taken internally, it became a fitting and natural sign of God's healing grace in this sacrament.

As the structure of the Church developed, the ministry of healing became more formally recognized as a sacrament administered by ordained ministers. While the Church always taught that the sacrament was intended both for the healing of the sick and the strengthening of those approaching death, pastoral practice gradually emphasized its use for the dying. Known as *Extreme Unction* ("final anointing"), it often came to be associated primarily with a person's final moments of life, and the arrival of a priest was frequently seen as a sign that death was near.

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council called for a renewal of the Church's rites for the sick and dying. 

In the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (*Sacrosanctum Concilium*), the name of the sacrament was restored to "Anointing of the Sick", emphasizing that it is not reserved only for those at the point of death. 

While it remains appropriate for those nearing the end of life, the Council reaffirmed the Church's ancient understanding that the sacrament is intended for any member of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by illness or advanced age.

This teaching is reflected in Canon 1004 of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, which states:

"The anointing of the sick can be administered to a member of the faithful who, after having reached the age of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age."

Many Catholics wait too long to receive this sacrament and miss the full benefits of its grace. The Anointing of the Sick is not solely a sacrament for the moment of death. Rather, it offers Christ's healing presence, spiritual strength, peace, comfort, and the forgiveness of sins to those suffering from serious illness or the frailty of old age. 

A Catholic may receive the sacrament whenever a serious illness occurs and may receive it again if the condition worsens or a new serious illness develops.

*Adapted from John C. Kasza, Understanding Sacramental Healing: Anointing and Viaticum (Chicago: Hillenbrand Books, 2007), and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.*

Benefits of Receiving the Anointing of the Sick:

• Spiritual comfort and strength
• Forgiveness of sins
• Possible physical healing
• Preparation for passing into eternal life