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 sacraments one will receive.
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14-15)
Human Sickness and Its Meaning in the Mystery of Salvation
Suffering and illness have always been among the greatest problems that trouble the human spirit. Christians feel and experience pain as do all other people; yet their faith helps them to grasp more deeply the mystery of suffering and bear their pain with greater courage.
The Sacrament for the Sick
The Lord himself showed great concern for the bodily and spiritual welfare of the sick and commanded his followers to do likewise. Through the sacrament of anointing, Christ strengthens the faithful who are afflicted by illness, providing them with the strongest means of support.
This sacrament gives the grace of the Holy Spirit to those who are sick: by the grace the whole person is helped and saved, sustained by trust in God, and strengthened against the temptations of the Evil One and against anxiety over death.
Who can receive the Sacrament?
Great care and concern should be taken to see that those of the faithful whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age receive this sacrament. The sacrament may be repeated if the sick person recovers after being anointed and then again falls ill.
- A sick person may be anointed before surgery whenever a serious illness is the reason for the surgery
- Elderly people may be anointed if they have become notably weakened even though no serious illness is present
- Sick children may be anointed if they have sufficient use of reason to be strengthened by this sacrament
References
- Catechism of the Catholic Church – 1499: “By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord.”
- Canon Law 998 – Title V: “The anointing of the sick, by which the Church commends to the suffering and glorified Lord the faithful who are dangerously ill.”