Anointing of the Sick

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Whether at Mass on the first Friday of every month, or for those who are sick and homebound or hospitalized, the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing and spiritual strength, not merely a “last rite” for the dying. Rooted in the Epistle of James, it offers comfort, peace, the forgiveness of sins, and the grace to unite one’s suffering with Christ. The Anointing of the Sick brings the strength, peace, and grace of Christ to those who are seriously ill, preparing for surgery, or weakened by age.

Instituted by Christ and promulgated by St. James (James 5:14-15), the rite involves the priest (or bishop) laying hands on the sick person, praying, and anointing them with the blessed Oil of the Sick. It is available to any Catholic whose health is seriously impaired by sickness, advanced age, or prior to a serious surgery. It is a repeatable sacrament, meaning it can be received multiple times.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines these graces:

Uniting the sick person to Christ’s Passion.
Receiving strength, peace, and courage to endure the suffering of illness or old age.
The forgiveness of sins (especially if the person cannot receive Confession).
The restoration of health, if it is conducive to the salvation of the soul.
Preparation for passing over into eternal life.

While popular culture often depicts this sacrament as a somber final rite exclusively for the deceased, the Catholic Church emphasizes that it is a living sacrament of comfort and hope. The primary goal is spiritual fortitude, with physical healing occurring if it aligns with God’s will.