I once visited the gorgeous church of St. Mary’s in Norwalk Connecticut. This one visit has stuck out to me as the priest celebrating the Mass that Sunday used his sermon as a way to give the faithful present a better understanding of the sacrament of Extreme Unction. What is now probably the least talked about and perhaps least known about sacrament is probably the most important.
To give a brief description for those who may be fully unfamiliar, Extreme Unction, from the Latin word Unctio, Unctionis, also known as Anointing of the Sick, or ‘Last Rites,’ is the Christian Sacrament of anointing with Holy Oils for those who are sick. The priest at this Mass made it very clear: Extreme Unction is not only for when you are on death’s door. This is why, he explained, ‘Last Rites’ is a bad name because it is not only meant to be received once in one’s life just before death. In fact many people forget that alongside reception of the Holy Eucharist, and Confession, it is the only sacrament that can be received more than once, more specifically as often as needed. To some this may sound crazy and that no one they know receives Holy Anointing as often as they go to confession. Whenever one is pervaded by spiritual sickness, the solution if the Sacrament of Confession; likewise, whenever one is affected by a corporeal sickness, the solution is the Sacrament of Anointing.
The priest who gave this sermon that I mentioned made it clear: don’t wait until the last minute to receive the Extreme Unction! Whenever one is in a grave situation in regard to their health, even if death is not in the picture, it is prudent and a good idea to receive this sacrament. The reason for this is that often people wait too long and by the time they consider calling a priest, it is too late.
On top of this, the Sacrament of Anointing has specifically defined spiritual benefits. As reception of the Eucharist forgives a Catholic of all venial sins on their soul, and Confession forgives of all mortal sins, Holy Anointing forgives all forgotten mortal sins that one may have committed in their lives. During the rite of Extreme Unction, the priest takes consecrated Holy Oils and blesses each part of the recipient’s body (specifically the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet). Over each one he says the prayer, “By this holy anointing and by His most tender mercy may the Lord forgive you all the evil you have done through the power of (insert: sight, hearing, sense of smell, speech, sense of touch, ability to walk). Amen.”
He then quotes the Epistle of James in which this sacrament is clearly described in which he says “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.” and then prays the following beautiful prayer: “We beg you, our Redeemer, to cure by the grace of the Holy Ghost this sick man’s (woman’s) infirmity. Heal his (her) wounds, and forgive his (her) sins. Rid him (her) of all pain of body and mind. Restore him (her), in your mercy, to full health of body and soul, so that having recovered by your goodness, he (she) may take up his (her) former duties. We ask this of you who live and reign with the Father and the Holy Ghost, God, forever and ever. Amen.”
Born and Raised to Jewish parents in New York City, Kai Breskin is a recent convert to the Catholic Faith. A member of the Boston College class of 2026, he is studying Political Science, Philosophy, and History. His intellectual passions include Christian theology, history, and liturgical study. His hobbies include sailing, playing the piano, and singing, with a specific focus in Gregorian Chant.
- The Canonization of Saints - December 9, 2024
- Sancta Unctio Cæli: The Most Forgotten Sacrament - December 9, 2024
- Saint of the Issue: St. Nicholas - December 9, 2024