The Roman Catholic Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, formerly known as Extreme Unction, is a sacrament of healing administered to those who are seriously ill or suffering. It is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church.
The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is meant to provide spiritual, emotional, and physical comfort to those who are experiencing serious illness, injury, or the effects of old age. It is intended to bring God’s healing presence to those who are suffering, and to offer them the strength and grace they need to face their struggles with faith and hope.
The sacrament is usually administered by a priest, who anoints the forehead and hands of the person with holy oil and prays for their healing and comfort. The sacrament may also be accompanied by the sacrament of Reconciliation, in which the person confesses their sins and receives absolution, and the sacrament of the Eucharist, in which the person receives Communion.
The Catholic Church teaches that the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing, not a last rite or deathbed sacrament. While it may be administered to those who are near death, it is also appropriate for those who are seriously ill or facing a major surgery, as well as those who are suffering from the effects of old age or chronic illness.
In summary, the Roman Catholic Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing administered to those who are seriously ill or suffering. It is intended to provide spiritual, emotional, and physical comfort to those who are experiencing serious illness or the effects of old age, and to bring God’s healing presence to them. The sacrament is usually administered by a priest through the anointing with holy oil and prayer, and may be accompanied by the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
(E&OE)