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SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK


Discover the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in Catholic Church.
Image of Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick


By Edward Matulanya 

Discover the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick in Catholic Church.

Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

The roots of the Anointing of the Sick can be traced to Scripture. In the Old Testament, oil often symbolized healing and consecration (Psalm 23:5; Isaiah 1:6). Suffering was seen as a place where God’s mercy could be revealed (Job, 2 Kings 20:1–7). In the New Testament, Jesus’ ministry prominently featured healing the sick and forgiving sins (Mark 2:1–12). The Letter of James explicitly instructs: “Is anyone 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” (James 5:14–15, NRSV). This passage is considered the direct scriptural foundation for the sacrament.

Development of Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick in the Early Church

Early Christians obeyed James’ command by anointing with oil while offering communal prayers for both physical healing and forgiveness of sins (Martos, 2001). The oil was typically blessed by bishops and applied by presbyters, signifying the Church’s care for the sick.

Medieval Understanding

By the Middle Ages, the practice shifted toward use at the end of life, leading to the name Extreme Unction (from Latin unctio extrema, “last anointing”). The sacrament became more closely associated with preparation for death, focusing on forgiveness and strengthening of the soul (Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Supplement, q.30).

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick at the Council of Trent

In response to Protestant reformers, the Council of Trent (1545–1563) formally affirmed the Anointing of the Sick as one of the seven sacraments. It emphasized its institution by Christ, the forgiveness of sins, and the role of priests as ministers (Council of Trent, 1551/1848).

Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick Vatican II Reforms

The Second Vatican Council reoriented the sacrament away from exclusively death-related contexts. The Constitution Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963) and the Apostolic Constitution Sacram Unctionem Infirmorum (Paul VI, 1972) clarified that the sacrament is intended for anyone in serious illness or advanced age, not just the dying. The name was officially restored to Anointing of the Sick.

Contemporary Theology and Practice of Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Today, the sacrament is celebrated by bishops and priests, using oil blessed by the bishop. The ritual includes anointing the forehead and hands, accompanied by a prayer for healing and forgiveness:

“Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC], 1993, §1513).

Recipients include those who are gravely ill, undergoing major surgery, or weakened by old age. The sacrament may be received multiple times as circumstances require, and it is often administered alongside Reconciliation and Eucharist (Viaticum) at the end of life.

Effects of Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick

The effects of the sacrament include:

Spiritual strength and peace in suffering.

Forgiveness of sins if confession is not possible.

Union with Christ’s passion, offering suffering for the Church.

Physical healing when aligned with God’s will.

Preparation for eternal life (CCC, 1993, §§1520–1523).

The symbolism of oil, laying on of hands, and communal prayer reflects the healing and strengthening presence of the Holy Spirit.

References

Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica (Fathers of the English Dominican Province, Trans.). Benziger Bros. (Original work published ca. 1270).

Catechism of the Catholic Church. (1993). Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.

Council of Trent. (1848). The canons and decrees of the Council of Trent (T. A. Buckley, Trans.). London: George Routledge. (Original work published 1551).

Martos, J. (2001). Doors to the sacred: A historical introduction to sacraments in the Catholic Church (Rev. ed.). Liguori/Triumph.

Paul VI. (1972). Sacram Unctionem Infirmorum. Apostolic Constitution. Vatican City.

Vatican Council II. (1963). Sacrosanctum Concilium. Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. Vatican City.

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