Dear Father, can you tell me more about Extreme Unction? Is it the same as the anointing of the sick? What if someone does not receive it before dying?
This Sacrament gives health and strength to the soul and sometimes to the body to people who are in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age. Traditionally, the Sacrament was called Extreme Unction, meaning “last anointing.” In Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, the body is anointed with holy oil. In the Sacrament of Extreme Unction the body is anointed for the last time. The name of the Sacrament was changed to “Anointing of the Sick” and the rite was simplified in 1972. Before 1972, the priest would anoint the person’s eyes, ears, nostrils, lips, hands, and feet with the Holy Oil. After 1972, the priest only anoints the person’s forehead and hands with the Holy Oil.
Extreme Unction from the Seven Sacraments, Pietro Antonio Novelli, 1769.
What does Extreme Unction/Anointing do for the soul?
1. Gives the person more Sanctifying Grace
2. Helps the person to bear their sufferings
3. Strengthens the person against temptations
4. Sometimes gives back health to the body
5. Takes away temporal punishment due to sin
6. Prepares the person for entrance into Heaven by cleansing the soul from the remains of sin
This Sacrament takes away venial sins and mortal sins if the person is unable to confess them and is truly sorry for their sins.
Any Catholic who has reached the age of reason and is in danger of death from sickness, accident, or old age should receive this Sacrament; the sickness or accident has to be so serious that it could cause death. The Sacrament can be received only once in the same danger of death, however; if a new danger arises, the person can receive the Sacrament again. In case of sudden or unexpected death a priest should be called always, because absolution and this Sacrament can be given conditionally for some time after apparent death.
It is a good practice for Catholics to pray daily that they and their loved ones do not die a sudden or un-provided death (meaning without the Sacraments). If a person dies without this Sacrament, we trust that God will do what only He can do and have mercy on that soul.
Do you have a question about the teachings of the Catholic Church on suffering, death, grief, or anything else?
You’re invited to submit your question by clicking here.
