The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is intended to strengthen anyone struggling with an illness, or who becomes in danger of death from sickness or old age, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Before the Second Vatican Council, this sacrament was called Extreme Unction or the Last Rites, and was the anointing at the time of death. Now this sacrament called the Anointing of the Sick and it has been broadened to offer healing and comfort in times of illness that may not lead to immediate death.

The Catechism explains: "Like all sacraments, the Anointing of the Sick is a liturgical and communal celebration, whether it takes place in the family home, a hospital or church, for a single sick person or a whole group of sick persons. It is very fitting to celebrate it within the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord's Passover." (CCC 1517) Those who are anointed should be "assisted by their pastor and the whole ecclesial community, which is invited to surround the sick in a special way through their prayers and fraternal attention." (CCC 1516)

Essentially, the celebration consists of anointing the forehead and hands of the sick person (in the Roman Rite) or of other parts of the body (in the Eastern rite), accompanied by the liturgical prayer of celebrant (a priest or bishop) asking for the sacrament's special grace. (CCC 1531).

 

The healing that occurs through this sacrament is not necessarily physical healing. While we believe that physical healing can occur through the power of God, the grace infused through this sacrament is the reminder of the presence of God in our human suffering.