Anointing of the Sick: Christ's Healing Touch For Every Season of Life

One of the most misunderstood sacraments in our Catholic faith is the Anointing of the Sick. Many still think of it in terms of what used to be called “Extreme Unction”—a sacrament reserved for those on their deathbed, to prepare the soul for its final journey. For centuries, the practice of calling the priest only when death was imminent gave rise to the phrase “last rites.” Families would wait until the very end before summoning the Church.

But with the guidance of the Second Vatican Council, the Church restored the sacrament to its fuller, original meaning. No longer understood only as an “extreme” measure, the Anointing of the Sick is now seen for what it truly is: a sacrament of healing, strength, and consolation for anyone facing serious illness, advanced age, or even the prospect of surgery. It is not only for the dying, but for the living—so that they may experience the healing presence of Christ in the midst of suffering.

The roots of this sacrament go back to Scripture itself. In the Letter of James we hear: “Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up” (James 5:14–15). From the earliest days of the Church, the laying on of hands and anointing with oil was a visible sign of God’s healing power at work.

Today, when a person receives the Anointing of the Sick, the priest lays his hands upon them, prays over them, and anoints their forehead and hands with the Oil of the Sick, consecrated by the bishop. This anointing is not magic, but a sacramental encounter with Christ the Healer. Sometimes the sacrament brings physical healing. Always, it brings spiritual strength, peace, and courage to bear the sufferings of illness in union with Christ. It is a reminder that even in weakness, we are never alone.

The beauty of this sacrament is that it places the person directly in the loving care of God, surrounded by the prayer of the Church. It offers forgiveness of sins, healing of the heart, and strength of soul. It also gives family members a chance to see and believe that their loved one is entrusted into the arms of the Lord.

Brothers and sisters, we should not be afraid of this sacrament. It is not only for the moment of death. It is for anyone in need of the healing touch of Christ. Let us see in it not fear, but hope; not despair, but comfort; not an ending, but the grace to continue our journey with Christ by our side.

Blessings,