Anointing of The Sick

By: Edison He, Weilun Wang, and Conor Dimmock

Introduction to Anointing of the Sick

● Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Catholic Sacraments.
● Anointing of the Sick serves as a channel for special graces from God that comfort and
heal, physically and/or spiritually, people who are seriously ill and in danger of death.

Who can receive the anointing of the sick.

● Any baptised Catholic can receive this sacrament.
● Anyone any age who is sick or has a chronic illness can receive this sacrament.
● Many Catholics also request anointing of the sick before major surgeries.
● This sacrament can be received more than once if the illness does not go away or gets
worse.
● if it will be spiritually good for the sick person to recover, then his recovery can with
certainty be expected.
● The recovery, however, will not be a sudden miraculous recovery.

Effects of Anointing of the Sick

● Provides courage, strength, and peace in the face of illness

● Helps the sick person trust in God no matter what happens
● Provides Physical and spiritual healing according to god’s will
● Since death is a possible outcome in illness, Anointing of the sick can prepare for death.
● It provides an opportunity for the forgiveness of sins even when the sick person is too ill
to receive reconciliation.

Biblical References
● James 5:14-15(NRSV)
○ Talks about how if anyone is sick, calling for elders of the church, anointing them
with oil, and the prayer of faith can save those who are sick. Anyone who
committed sins will also be forgotten.

● Mark 6:13 (ESV)

○ Talks about those who are sick and anointed with oil were healed, and were able
to cast out demons in the process as well.
○ Both relate to Anointing of the Sick as those who are sick and anointed with oil
were able to be healed. They will also be ready for death as the Lord will raise
them and be forgiven for those who have committed sin.

Form
● Administered when one is dying or at risk of death
● If the dying person is willing, the priest or bishop will hear a confession
 ● The priest anoints the dying person’s head and wounds with oil
● During the anointing, the priest utters prayers for the mental, physical, and spiritual
healing of the dying person.
Matter
● The oil used for the anointing is called oleum infirmorum.
● This oil, though traditionally olive based, can be made of any pure plant-based oil and is
blessed by a bishop, or a priest in emergencies.