| The
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1499 states: "By the sacred anointing
of the sick and the prayer of the priests the whole Church commends those who
are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save
them. And indeed she [the Church] exhorts them to contribute to the good of the
People of God by freely uniting themselves to the Passion and death of Christ."
[quoting from Lumen Gentium, Vatican II.] Anointing of the Sick: Serves
to strengthen those who are being tried by illness or advanced age. The sacrament,
though long relegated to the moments prior to death, always sought also the recovery
of the anointed person, according to God's will. We understand the notion of being
in danger of death in a much more liberal but realistic manner than might have
been the case 50 years ago. The reception of the sacrament presumes that the individual
is already baptized and at least seven years of age, that is, having achieved
the age of reason. Generally one would not anoint a child below seven years of
age. The Sign: The laying on of hands by a priest or bishop, and
anointing with blessed oil. The oil must come from olive or another plant. Normally
the oil is blessed by the bishop at the yearly Chrism Mass, but may also be blessed
by any priest for a given ceremony. Instituted by Christ: Found
in all the many cures enacted by Christ in the Gospels. Laying on of hands, or
some other touch was common in healing/miracle stories. The apostolic recommendation
is most clearly found in the Letter of James [James 5: 13-15.] To give
Grace: Spiritual wellness, forgiveness of sins, and the possibility of physical
healing. One receives the particular gift of the Holy Spirit; one's suffering
is united to that of Christ; one receives the grace conferred by the prayer of
the Church; it confers spiritual strength and courage; and it prepares one for
the final journey ... death. | 
