Last sacraments

Last Sacraments refer to the final sacraments administered to a Christian person, typically within the Catholic Church, shortly before death. These sacraments are meant to prepare the soul for the afterlife, offering spiritual comfort, forgiveness of sins, and, in the belief of the faithful, a path to eternal life with God. The Last Sacraments consist of three main rites: the Anointing of the Sick, Penance, and the Eucharist (when received as Viaticum).

Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament administered by a priest to a baptized Christian who is ill, facing major surgery, or elderly and weakened by age. The sacrament provides grace for the state of the soul, but also physical healing if it is God's will. During the anointing, the priest lays hands on the sick person, prays over them, and anoints them with blessed oil.

Penance

Penance, also known as Confession or Reconciliation, is a sacrament of healing and forgiveness. It involves the confession of sins to a priest, who then offers absolution to the penitent. In the context of the Last Sacraments, Penance is crucial as it prepares the soul by cleansing it of sin.

Eucharist as Viaticum

The term "Viaticum" refers to the Eucharist when it is given to a person who is dying or facing the possibility of death. The word "viaticum" is Latin for "provision for the journey," symbolizing the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment for the passage through death to eternal life. It is the pinnacle of the Last Sacraments, offering the dying person one final communion with Christ.

Administration

The Last Sacraments are administered by a priest or bishop. It is encouraged for the faithful to request these sacraments when facing death, and for family members to ensure their loved ones receive them. The administration of these sacraments can be a source of great comfort and hope to the dying and their families.

Significance

The Last Sacraments are of profound significance in the Christian faith, particularly within the Catholic Church. They are seen as essential for the salvation of the soul, providing the dying person with spiritual aid and the assurance of God's mercy. They also serve as a final testament to the individual's faith and commitment to God.

See Also

• Sacrament of the Sick
• Sacrament of Penance
• Holy Communion
• Catholic Church
• Christianity and death