A Brief Catechism on Extreme Unction

A Brief Catechism on Extreme Unction – Anointing of the Sick

Extreme Unction is the sacrament, which, through the anointing with blessed oil by the priest and through his prayers, gives health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age. We do not know exactly when Jesus instituted this sacrament, but it is clearly explained in Scripture: “Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man; and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him” (James 5:14-15).

We usually commit sin through our senses. Hence, traditionally the priest anoints the eyes, ears, nostrils, mouth, hands and feet of the sick person with the Oil of the Sick, praying that God forgive the sins committed through these bodily members. If the sick man is sorry for his sins, but cannot go to confession, Extreme Unction will forgive even mortal sin.

This sacrament always gives comfort and strengthens the soul against temptation, and if it be God’s Will, also gives physical healing! If the sick person is not meant to recover, the stains of sin will have been purified from the soul, thereby preparing the sick person for Heaven.

The Baltimore Catechism lists the effects of Extreme Unction as:

* an increase of sanctifying grace
* comfort in sickness and strength against temptation
* preparation for entrance into heaven by the remission of our venial sins
* the cleansing of our souls from the remains of sin
* health of body when it is good for the soul

The Catechism also declares that we should prepare ourselves to receive Extreme Unction by a good confession, by acts of faith, hope, charity, and especially by resignation to the will of God. In the case of sudden death, always call the priest anyway, since absolution and Extreme Unction can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.