It is most unfortunate that the sacrament of the anointing of the sick — one of the seven signs instituted by Christ to affect the grace they signify (Code of Canon Law, 840) — is usually referred to only when one requires it or one’s family member requests it.
This sacrament merits its own frequent discussion because of its inherent worth and clear spiritual implications for disciples of Jesus Christ.
Look no further than the Catechism of the Catholic Church for a useful presentation of this sacrament. In numbers 1499 through 1532, one discovers the church’s perennial teaching pertaining to the anointing of the sick, which is one of the “Sacraments of Healing.” The sacrament’s meaning, history of institution, recipient, minister, celebration and effects are discussed, along with a description of Viaticum — “The Last Sacrament of the Christian.” The Catechism asserts “that Penance (Confession), the Anointing of the Sick and the Eucharist as Viaticum constitute at the end of Christian life ‘the Sacraments that prepare for our heavenly homeland’ or the Sacraments that complete the earthly pilgrimage.” (1525)
Canon 1004, §1 of the Code of Canon Law states: “The Anointing of the Sick can be administered to a member of the faithful who, having reached the use of reason, begins to be in danger due to sickness or old age.”
Often, Catholics will pose questions about the administration of this sacrament. Here are three of the most asked questions.
“I am planning to have major bypass surgery. Should I ask my parish priest to anoint me or is it best to wait for the priest who serves as the hospital chaplain to do so?”
Either your parish priest or the priest-hospital chaplain may anoint you. It does make sense to ask your parish priest so that others from your parish may more easily gather with you. Furthermore, since the priest-hospital chaplain receives numerous requests for the sacraments when new patients arrive, it can be helpful to him if you have already gone to confession and been anointed.
“My elderly mother lives with me. If I call my parish priest to my house for the anointing, what should I prepare for him?”
Some Catholics have at home a “Sick Call Set,” complete with candles, a holy water bottle, a white cloth, etc. Most priests carry with them exactly what they need; however, whatever you can provide is valuable. Please remember to give specific directions to your parish priest so that he can locate your house.
“My uncle has been anointed at least three times. His health has been poor for months. When death approaches, should I call our priest again?”
The anointing of the sick may be administered to the same person more than once if his condition worsens. The sacrament “takes hold” when it is worthily received. Although your uncle has been anointed, it is important to have the priest there, if at all possible, at the moment of death in order to recite the Prayers for the Dying and to impart the “Apostolic Pardon,” which is also called the “Apostolic Blessing.” This gift from the church is a plenary indulgence in articulo mortis — “at the moment of death.”
If a Catholic hasn’t been practicing his faith and is conscious, then he should receive the sacrament of penance first before the sacrament of the anointing of the sick.
Jesus Christ gave to us this sacrament, as he did the other six, for our growth in holiness. May the members of his chaste bride, the church deepen in their appreciation for the sublime wonders that this sacrament confers. And may Holy Mary, comforter of the afflicted, intercede for the sick and the dying.
Msgr. Mangan, former faculty member at Mt. St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md., is parochial vicar of several parishes in the Diocese of Sioux Falls, S.D.
