Sacrament of the Sick or the Sacrament of Anointing
General Notes: Formerly called “Extreme Unction,” this sacrament was earlier given only to those in eminent danger of dying. Catholics use to get more concerned if they saw the priest coming to the home of a neighbor they knew was sick; to them at that time. It signaled to them the impending death of the person even more so than the visit from the doctor. Now called the Sacrament of the Sick, it is intended for those who feel the need for God’s special grace in time of a medical problem. It is far too easy to fall into anguish and despair and even to feel forgotten and abandoned by God at times like this. When we need Him most, we should not despair or give of hope of his love and grace. It may impart comfort and healing to the recipient along with support for the individual’s family and friends who are their when the sacrament is administered.
There was, at one time, a home kit that Catholic families kept on hand when members of the family became sick and the priest was called. Most of these kits are now collectibles, found on eBay. You can go there and search for them to see what they look like. The priest has a similar kit that he carries with him when he visits an individual to whom he intends to administer this sacrament.
Since it does involve the forgiveness of sins, it can only be administered by a duly ordained priest or bishop. It is one of the two sacraments of healing, the other being the sacrament of reconciliation (also called “penance” or “confession.”)
Biblical References: There are numerous biblical references to this sacrament, especially Jas. 5:14-15. Liturgical traditions of the Church have recognized this as a sacrament from the earliest days.
Substance and Form: All sacraments have a substance and a form to them.
- Substance – anointing with duly blessed oil (normally from olives but can also be from other plants) on the forehead and the palms of the hands of the recipient.
- Form – the following words are said only once: “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.”
Who should receive this sacrament:
- Those who are seriously ill.
- It is not only for those who are in danger of death, whether from illness or simply old age.
- If the individual recovers but later suffers from a relapse, this sacrament can be administered again.
- Individuals facing an operation or who are elderly and simply have become progressively more frail may and, indeed, should avail themselves of this sacrament.
How the sacrament is celebrated:
- Can be in a home, a hospital or the church
- The person should resolve to put themselves in a disposition suitable for the reception of this sacrament, just as they might for confession.
- The priest may conduct the Sacrament of Reconciliation if the individual is not in the state of grace.
- The Eucharist, here called “Holy Viaticum,” (“viaticum” being Latin for “passing over”) if the person is in danger of dying, can then be given to the person.
- The Sacrament of the Sick is then celebrated in word and form described above.
Grace of this sacrament:
Each sacrament imparts its own particular “sacramental grace” to aid the individual in dealing with the demands placed on them by their particular situation at that time.
- Grace of strengthening, peace and courage to overcome the difficulties of their present condition of health.
- Renews the trust and faith in God at this critical time
- Strengthen the individual against the temptations of the devil, especially the temptation to despair of God’s help
- Assist the person in the healing of their soul
- Involves the person in the redemptive work of Christ by uniting them more closely with Christ’s passion as a result of any suffering and pain they are undergoing
- Prepares them for their final journey
- May result in physical healing if this is God’s will and is conducive to the salvation of the person’s soul
Further Questions for the Priest:
(To the best of my knowledge, the answer to both of these is “NO” but I’d suggest you ask a priest about this to be sure.)
1.Should the priest stop to administer this sacrament to the victim of an accident that they come across while driving?
2.Can this sacrament be administered to groups of soldiers going into a combat situation?
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