Anointing of the sick

Extreme Unction Rogier Van der Weyden

2017-04-12--Service of the Sacrament of Holy Unction, on Holy Wednesday

Anointing oil

Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is administered to a Catholic faithful who, having reached the age of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age. It is also practiced in various forms by other Christian denominations, including some Anglican, Lutheran, and Eastern Orthodox churches. The sacrament is intended to provide comfort, peace, courage, and, if the sick person's condition is serious, the remission of sins and preparation for passing into eternal life.

Biblical Foundation

The foundation for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is found in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly in the Epistle of James 5:14-15, which states, "Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven."

Rite of the Sacrament

The rite for the Anointing of the Sick involves a priest anointing the forehead and hands of the sick person with the Holy Oil (usually olive oil blessed by a bishop during Holy Week), accompanied by prayers for healing. The sacrament can be administered individually or in a community setting. It can be received more than once, especially if a sick person's condition worsens.

Effects of the Sacrament

The primary effect of the sacrament is spiritual healing. It provides the recipient with the grace to unite their suffering with the passion of Christ, peace and courage to endure in a Christian manner the sufferings of illness or old age, and forgiveness of sins if the sick person was not able to obtain it through the sacrament of Penance. In some cases, the sacrament also brings the physical healing of the illness.

Theological Significance

Theologically, Anointing of the Sick is considered a sacrament of healing. It is one of the two "sacraments of healing" in the Catholic Church, the other being Penance. The sacrament is seen as a particular gift of the Holy Spirit, which opens the recipient to the grace of God in a profound way during a time of illness.

History

Historically, the sacrament was known as "Extreme Unction" or "Last Rites" because it was often administered only in the event of a person being close to death. However, following the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), the church revised its understanding and practice of the sacrament to emphasize its role not only at the end of life but also during serious illness.

Administration

Only a priest or a bishop can administer the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick. The administration of this sacrament can take place in various settings: in a church, a hospital, a person's home, or even on a battlefield.

See Also

• Sacraments of the Catholic Church
• Holy Orders
• Penance (sacrament)
• Eucharist