The Anointing of the Sick is Christ’s Sacrament of healing, strength and consolation for those who are seriously ill, facing significant medical treatment, or weakened by the frailty of old age. The priest lays hands upon the sick person, prays for them and anoints them with the Oil of the Sick.
The Sacrament unites the suffering person more closely with Christ in his Passion and gives grace, peace and courage to endure illness in faith. It also brings forgiveness of sins where this is required and, if it is God’s will, may contribute to the restoration of bodily health. It should therefore not be regarded simply as the “Last Rites” or postponed unnecessarily until the final moments of life.
When death is approaching, the Church surrounds the Christian with particular tenderness. Where possible, Confession, Anointing and Viaticum – Holy Communion received as food for the final journey – prepare the dying person to pass from this life into the presence of God. Families are therefore encouraged to contact a priest promptly when someone becomes seriously ill.
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