Annointing of the Sick

Anointing of the Sick

* The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacrament one will receive. A sacrament is an outward sign established by Jesus Christ to confer inward grace. In more basic terms, it is a rite that is performed to convey God’s grace to the recipient, through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Who May Receive the Sacrament?

The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."

When in doubt, priests shoulder on the side of caution and provide the sacrament to the faithful who request it.

The Form of the Sacrament

The sacrament is administered by a priest, who uses olive oil or another pure plant oil to anoint the patient's forehead and perhaps other parts of the body, and praying "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."

It is believed to give comfort, peace, courage and, if the sick person is unable to make a confession, even forgiveness of sins.

Who can give the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?

Only priests (including bishops) can administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, since, when the sacrament was instituted during Christ's sending out of His disciples, it was confined to the men who would become the original bishops of the Church.

What are the Graces of Anointing of the Sick?

Received in faith and in a state of grace, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick provides the recipient with a number of graces, including the fortitude to resist temptation in the face of death, when he is weakest; a union with the Passion of Christ, which makes his...