As the central sacrament of Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was, in the past, most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins, spiritual strength, and the recovery of physical health. In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation. In broadening the use of the Anointing of the Sick, the Church has stressed a secondary effect of the sacrament: to help a person recover his health. Like Confession and Holy Communion, the other sacraments commonly performed in Last Rites, the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.
Other Names for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is often simply referred to as the Sacrament of the Sick. In the past, it was commonly called Extreme Unction.
Unction means an anointing with oil (which is part of the sacrament), and extreme refers to the fact that the sacrament was usually administered in extremity—in other words when the person receiving it was in grave danger of dying.
Biblical Roots
The modern, expanded celebration of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick recalls the early Christian use, going back to biblical times. When Christ sent His disciples out to preach, “they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them” (Mark 6:13). James 5:14-15 ties physical healing to the forgiveness of sins: