Anointing of the Sick
A sacrament offering spiritual and physical comfort, strength, and healing to those who are seriously ill, elderly, or facing surgery, uniting them more closely to Christ's suffering.
Through the anointing with oil and the prayer of the priest, Christ comforts the sick, unites them to His Passion, and prepares them for eternal life. It is a sacrament of healing and spiritual strength in times of grave illness.
Scriptural Basis: James 5:14-15 ('Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.'), Mark 6:13 ('And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them.').
Union of the sick person to Christ's Passion for their own good and the good of the whole Church, strength, peace and courage to endure suffering, forgiveness of sins (if the sick person was unable to confess them), and restoration of health if it is conducive to their salvation.
A baptized person who begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, or before a serious operation. It can be received more than once if the illness worsens or another grave illness occurs.
Viaticum
Holy Communion received by those who are about to die, serving as spiritual nourishment for the journey to eternal life. It is often given with the Anointing of the Sick.
Minister
Only bishops and priests can administer the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.