Discover what the Anointing of the Sick is, its historical and biblical references, and whom it is administered to. Learn more about its effects on a sick person.
Updated: 11/21/2023
Anointing of the Sick | Definition, Sacrament & Symbols
Table of Contents
- What Is the Anointing of the Sick?
- Biblical References of the Anointing of the Sick
- Effects of the Sacrament of the Sick
- Symbols of the Sacrament of the Sick
- Steps in Administering the Sacrament of the Sick
- Lesson Summary
- FAQs
- Activities
The Anointing of the Sick: Further Exploration
This lesson explained the Catholic sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, formerly called Extreme Unction in the Middle Ages. Use the prompts below to explore this topic further and connect it to your own life.
Compare and Contrast
Now you know about the Catholic ritual for helping those who are gravely ill. What does your own religious tradition say about illness? Are there any rituals associated with illness, and how do they compare with the Anointing of the Sick? If you are Catholic or not religious, pick another religion from anywhere in the world in order to make a comparison. Write an essay detailing your findings.
History of Anointing
This lesson gave you an overview of the origins and history of the Anointing of the Sick. But there is more to explore! Pick one of the following sub-topics and do your own research on that subject's history. Write a paragraph or essay going into detail about the origins, consequences, and history of your chosen subject. You can also choose another aspect of this lesson not listed here if you want.
Examples: Extreme Unction; Protestant protests against Catholic sacraments; the use of oil in religious rites, particularly in early Christianity and in Judaism; the Anointing of the Sick during the Black Death; modern examples of the Anointing of the Sick.
What are the symbols of this sacrament?
The symbols associated with the Anointing the Sick sacrament may include: hands, oil, and the sign of the cross. The other 6 Catholic sacraments have their own respective symbolism.
What objects are used in Anointing of the Sick?
Typically, a priest uses blessed olive oil for anointing the forehead and hands of the sick. A cross, bible, prayer book, holy water, may also be used, dependent upon the sick person and priest's preferences.
What are the steps of the Anointing of the Sick?
The steps for Anointing the Sick may vary by the needs of the sick and the tradition of the priest. The main steps include the laying of hands on the sick, the anointing of the forehead and then hands with oil, and then prayer. Additional prayers may be provided throughout the sacrament, and Confession and/or Communion may also be given.
What are the three parts of the Anointing of the Sick?
The three main parts of the Anointing the Sick sacrament include: placing hands on the sick, anointing the forehead and hands with blessed oil, and then prayer. A Catholic priest or priests perform the ritual.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Anointing of the Sick?
- Biblical References of the Anointing of the Sick
- Effects of the Sacrament of the Sick
- Symbols of the Sacrament of the Sick
- Steps in Administering the Sacrament of the Sick
- Lesson Summary
"Anointing of the Sick" is a term that refers to a Last Rites ritual and sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church. "Extreme Unction" is another term used to describe the Anointing of the Sick sacrament. The aforementioned is one of seven Catholic sacraments. The Anointing of the Sick ritual can be defined as a Catholic sacrament in which a very sick and/or dying person is anointed with oil by a priest and prayed for; the sick may take confession during this time, as well.
History of the Sacrament of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick sacrament has biblical origins, supposedly dating back to the time of Christ (circa 30 C.E.). According to biblical text, when Jesus and his followers preached during their travels, they also took care of the sick. They did this by praying for the sick, anointing them with blessed oil, forgiving them of their sins, and even healing them by the end of the process. Biblical texts also called for people to bring their sick to priests in order for them to follow the same ritual. Therefore, the Anointing of the Sick sacrament originates from the biblical texts of the New Testament that mention related actions by Christ and his disciples.
Followers of Jesus continued the practice of Extreme Unction after his death and Ascension. By 1551, the Catholic Church declared that only priests were allowed to perform the sacrament of Extreme Unction; this occurred at the Council of Trent. At the Second Vatican Council, in 1965, the name Anointing of the Sick was deemed more appropriate than Extreme Unction, as Church leaders declared that those other than the dying may receive the sacrament. Before this time, the sacrament used to be administered for mostly the dying, but with the 1965 change, it has expanded to include the very ill, people about to have surgery, and the dying. The main modern-day change is the use and hope for the recovery of one's health, rather than just as a Last Rites ritual sacrament.
Extreme Unction was the most common term used to describe the sacrament unction meaning to anoint with oil, and extreme referring to the extreme circumstances in which one receives the sacrament. Nowadays, the sacrament is usually referred to as the Anointing of the Sick.
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A few biblical passages related to the Anointing of the Sick include:
- "Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him." - James 5:14-15
- "And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them"- Mark 6:13
The above passages demonstrate the function and importance of the sacrament for believers. They also reveal the origins and uses for the oil, prayers, and overall ritual.
Who Can Receive the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick?
A person who has been baptized in the Catholic Church, who is of the age of "reason/majority" or old enough for confession (considered age 7), and is very ill, or dying, may receive the anointing sacrament. If needed, a person may receive the Anointing of the Sick sacrament many times throughout life.
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Multiple benefits for the sick person have been cited for the use of the Anointing of the Sick sacrament, based on Catholic Church doctrine.
Some of the benefits may include the following:
- Peace and calm for the sick or dying
- Absolution of past sins
- Feeling of readiness for death and/or heaven; await what comes next with faith instead of fear
- Sense of control given to a higher power other than oneself
- Uniting as one with the Passion of Christ/ struggle of Christ
- Restore a sense of well-being and spiritual healing
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Various symbols have been associated with the Anointing of the Sick sacrament. Blessed or consecrated oil, the sign of the cross, praying hands, hands, the forehead, and laying down of hands are the most common symbols of the sacrament. The aforementioned symbols also represent the process and important parts of the Anointing the Sick ritual. The oil (usually olive oil) used is meant to represent the cleansing of sin, healing, and holiness. The hands and forehead and laying of the hands represent the various parts touched with oil and/or touching the sick for healing purposes. And, the sign of the cross represents the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and is used in times of prayer and need for protection or self-blessing.
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The main steps a priest follows to administer the sacrament for the sick or Anointing of the Sick are:
- A priest or, in some cases, multiple priests lay hands on the sick person (typically on their head).
- The priest blesses the oil if it is not already blessed.
- The priest says a prayer before and/or during the anointing of the oil.
- The forehead, and then the hands of the sick are anointed with oil; the priest might also lay oil over a particular area for healing.
- A prayer is made by the priest after the anointing.
The sacrament may vary, depending on the tradition of a particular priest as well as the sick person. The sick may be given the opportunity for Confession before the anointing, and/or be given Communion after the anointing, if able. Additional prayers, blessings, and signs of peace may be provided for the sick person and others present in the room. There are particular prayers often used for such rites, but they do differ according to the priest and the situation of the sick.
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The Anointing of the Sick ritual is an important Catholic Church sacrament given to people who are baptized Catholics who've reached the age of reason, and who are very sick or dying. A Catholic priest, or priests, performs the sacrament for the sick, which involves the laying of hands on the sick, the anointing of the forehead and hands with blessed oil, and prayer. The oil used in the sacrament represents the cleansing from sin, consecration to God, and healing.
Extreme Unction was the most common term used to describe the Anointing of the Sick, in times prior to 1965. The Second Vatican Council of 1965 affirmed that a more appropriate name was the Anointing of the Sick, as people other than the dying were now allowed to receive the sacrament. According to Catholic doctrine, the sacrament of the sick offers peace, comfort, spiritual healing, absolvement of sin, and more to the sick or dying.
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Video Transcript
The Anointing of the Sick
The Anointing of the Sick is one of the seven Catholic sacraments. According to Catholic doctrine, this sacrament 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.
In the essential rite of the sacrament, a priest or bishop lays his hands on the sick person's head. Then he anoints the sick person on the forehead and palms of the hands with the oil of the sick, a holy oil that has been blessed by a bishop. During the anointing, the priest or bishop says the following words: '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.'
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Who Can Receive This Sacrament?
Any baptized Catholic who has reached the age of reason (usually around seven years old) can receive this sacrament if he or she is gravely ill and in danger of death. Many Catholics also request the Anointing of the Sick before major surgery. Elderly Catholics who are experiencing the frailty and health challenges of old age are also welcome to receive the Anointing. The sacrament may be received more than once, even during the same illness if it progresses in seriousness.
Effects of the Sacrament
According to Catholic doctrine, the Anointing of the Sick affects the sick person in the following ways:
- It provides courage, strength, and peace in the face of illness.
- It helps the sick person to trust in God no matter what happens.
- It gives the sick person grace to unite his or her suffering to the passion of Christ.
- It provides physical and/or spiritual healing according to God's will.
- It offers necessary graces so that the sick person may prepare for death.
- It pours out consolation and hope.
- It provides an opportunity for the forgiveness of sins even when the sick person is too ill to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.
Symbols of the Sacrament
As with all Catholic sacraments, Catholics believe the Anointing of the Sick uses human objects and actions as symbols to point to something beyond themselves, God's grace.
- Oil has been recognized from ancient times for its properties of healing and cleansing. A person who has been anointed with oil is set apart for a special purpose. In terms of the sacrament, oil symbolizes healing from illness, cleansing from sin, and consecration (i.e., setting apart as holy) to God.
- The priest or bishop often anoints the sick person's forehead and palms with the sign of the cross, which reminds Catholics that their salvation comes through the cross of Jesus Christ, and that they are called to unite their sufferings to those of Jesus.
- The forehead is one of the most visible places on the human body. Catholics believe that their faith in Christ should be visible through their actions. An anointing on the forehead also symbolizes the need to know Christ and follow Him.
- Human hands are often associated with human activity. When sick people are anointed on the hands, they are reminded that they must turn all their activity over to Christ. They must place themselves under His will, even if He wills their earthly activity to cease.
- The laying on of hands by the priest or bishop comforts the sick person but also symbolizes the power of God entering the sick person through the mediation of the priest or bishop.
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History
According to Catholic doctrine, the Anointing of the Sick has its roots in the healing miracles of Jesus Christ. Jesus healed people physically and spiritually, and He instructed His apostles to do the same. In Mark 6:7-13, for instance, Jesus sent His 12 apostles out in pairs, giving them the authority to ''heal the sick''. They 'anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them' (Mark 6:13). Catholics believe that the Anointing of the Sick is a continuation of this ministry.
The early Church practiced the Anointing of the Sick. We read in James 5:14-15: 'Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.' In these words, Catholics recognize the anointing and prayers of the sacrament. Further, apostolic tradition, a manual of Catholic practice compiled about 235 A.D., includes a blessing prayer for oil of the sick.
During the Middle Ages, the emphasis of the sacrament shifted from healing to preparation for death. Catholics began calling the sacrament Extreme Unction, or last anointing. It was usually administered only at the point of death.
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In 1439, the Council of Florence clarified the sacrament and made its rites consistent for all Catholics. It taught that the anointing with blessed oil could be given by a priest if death was expected. The priest was to anoint the sick person's eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, feet, and loins. These were viewed as areas of potential sin that could be cleansed through the sacrament in preparation for death.
The Council of Trent confirmed the sacrament of Extreme Unction in 1551 in the face of Protestant denials. This Council also taught that this was a 'sacrament of the dying' that confers grace, remits sin, and ''comforts the sick.''
In 1962, the Second Vatican Council reflected again on the sacrament, not changing its essential rites but refocusing it to a 'sacrament of the sick.' The Council emphasized that this sacrament was not only for those at the point of death but for anyone who was gravely ill and needed the graces of healing, comfort, and forgiveness. It revised the sacrament's rites to their current form and declared that the sacrament should be called the Anointing of the Sick rather than Extreme Unction.
Today, Catholics turn to the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick when they long to feel the comfort and healing touch of God in times of illness.
Learning Outcomes
The information contained in this video lesson can prepare you to:
- Describe what happens during the Anointing of the Sick
- Identify those who receive this sacrament
- List the effects and symbols of the Anointing of the Sick
- Recount the history of this sacrament from early times to the present day
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Anointing of the Sick | Definition, Sacrament & Symbols
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