He summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two…They anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6:7, 13)

The Catholic Church teaches that the Anointing of the Sick is a "Sacrament of Healing" intended to provide spiritual, and sometimes physical, strength to those facing serious illness or the frailties of old age. It is not reserved solely for those at the point of death.

Key Teachings and Effects

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), the primary effects of this sacrament include:

  • Spiritual Strength: It imparts the Holy Spirit's gift of peace and courage to endure suffering in a Christian manner and to fight against anxiety or temptation.
  • Union with Christ’s Passion: The sick person is united more closely to the suffering of Jesus, giving their own pain a redemptive meaning for themselves and the Church.
  • Forgiveness of Sins: If the recipient is unable to obtain forgiveness through the Sacrament of Penance (Confession), the anointing can forgive sins.
  • Restoration of Health: Physical healing may occur if it is "conducive to the salvation of the soul".
  • Preparation for Death: For those near the end of life, it prepares the soul for the "final journey" to eternal life.

Who Can Receive and Administer It?

  • Eligibility: Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason (usually age 7) and begins to be in "danger" due to sickness, old age, or an upcoming serious surgery.
  • Repetition: The sacrament can be received multiple times if a person's condition worsens or if they fall ill again after recovery.
  • Minister: Only a priest or bishop can validly administer this sacrament.

The Ritual (Matter and Form)

The essential elements of the rite include:

  1. Laying on of Hands: The priest silently lays hands on the head of the sick person, signifying the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
  2. Anointing with Oil: The priest anoints the person's forehead and hands with "Oil of the Sick" (pure olive oil blessed by a bishop).
  3. The Prayer of Faith: While anointing, 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".

It is often celebrated alongside Viaticum (Holy Communion for the dying) as part of what is traditionally called Last Rites.

Are you or a loved one currently preparing for surgery or a pastoral visit, and would you like to know how to contact a local parish to arrange for this sacrament?