Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formerly known as "Last Rites" or "Extreme Unction") is understood to be a sacrament of healing and strength. In it, the priest prays that a person who is sick will be restored to full health or receive the strength that is needed to resist temptation and accept a share in the suffering of the Lord Jesus. As the bishop or priest administers this sacrament, he lays his hands on the head of the sick person, asking the Lord to send His Spirit upon him/her. Then, the priest or bishop anoints the forehead and the palms of the hands with the Oil of the Sick for the strengthening of the body. Because the Sacrament of Penance is often celebrated in conjunction with this sacrament, it is reserved to a priest or bishop. The Anointing of the Sick may be celebrated many times with a person.