Anointing of the Sick

What does the Church teach about the Anointing of the Sick?

“The Church believes and confesses that among the seven sacraments there is one especially intended to strengthen those who are being tried by illness, the Anointing of the Sick:

This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.”

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1511)

The Church from ancient times has anointed the sick with blessed oil, and over the centuries, it came to be called “Extreme Unction” because it was given more to those who were at the point of death (CCC, 1512). However, it is most definitely given to those who are seriously ill by anointing the forehead and hands with blessed oil as the priest says,

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” (CCC, 1513)

Even if a person recovers after receiving the Anointing of the Sick, they are encouraged to receive it if they once again experience a grave illness. There are many benefits and graces of this sacrament and truly, this sacrament, if given just before death, completes our earthly journey, just as Baptism began that journey, and Confirmation strengthened us on the journey; it finally helps join us to Christ’s death and resurrection (CCC, 1523).

The Anointing of the Sick strengthens, gives peace and courage to overcome the struggles of illness, and the Holy Spirit gives the grace of great encouragement to overcome temptations of despair. We participate and unite ourselves in Christ’s passion as we suffer and unite those sufferings in Christ’s saving work so we may participate in His saving work. In this sacrament, “the Church, in the communion of saints, intercedes for the benefit of the sick person, and he, for his part, though the grace of this sacrament, contributes to the sanctification of the Church and to the good of all men for whom the Church suffers and offers herself through Christ to God the Father” (CCC, 1522).