Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament that is administered to give strength and comfort to the ill and to mystically unite their suffering with that of Christ during his Passion and death.
This sacrament can be given to those who are afflicted with serious illness or injury, those who are awaiting surgery, the weakened elderly, or to ill children who are old enough to understand its significance.
A person can receive the sacrament as many times as needed throughout their life, and a person with a chronic illness might be anointed again if the disease worsens.
The rite can be performed in a home or hospital by a priest, who prays over the person and anoints their head and hands with chrism (holy oil).
The priest may also administer the sacrament of the Eucharist if the person has been unable to receive it and can hear a confession if so desired. If a person is at the point of death, the priest also administers a special Apostolic blessing in what is known as the Last Rites.
Why Call a Priest Early for Someone Who Is Critically Ill?
When a loved one is critically ill or near death, it is essential to call a priest without delay. Our Lord, in His infinite mercy, has provided a special sacrament for this stage of life—the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament offers spiritual strength, healing, and peace to those who are seriously ill or in danger of death.
Often, families wait until the last possible moment, hoping for medical recovery. While we trust in the skills of doctors, there comes a point when medicine can do no more. At such a time, delaying the call to a priest may deprive the sick person of the powerful graces that this sacrament bestows.
Through the Anointing of the Sick, the person receives:
✅ Union with the Passion of Christ – Their suffering is united with Christ’s suffering, giving it spiritual meaning and redemptive value.
✅ Strength to Endure Illness or Old Age – The sacrament grants divine grace to bear suffering with courage and peace.
✅ Forgiveness of Sins – If the person is unable to confess, this sacrament brings reconciliation with God.
✅ Restoration of Health – If it is God’s will, this sacrament can bring physical healing.
✅ Preparation for Eternal Life – For those near death, it provides peace and readiness to meet the Lord.
Calling a priest early ensures that the sick person receives these graces with full awareness and in a peaceful state. Let us not wait until it is too late—this sacrament is a gift of love, mercy, and hope, meant to be received in faith and trust.