Since most of us have never received or witnessed the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, it will be helpful to look at the rite itself.   A good way to do that is to recall its biblical foundation in the Letter of James: "Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven" (James 5: 14-15).

Let us briefly look at five elements in these verses: (1) the elders of the church (2) who pray over the sick person (3) and anoint them with oil; (4) the relationship between faith, salvation and resurrection (5) and the forgiveness of sins.

(1)     The elders of the church are called to pray over, anoint with oil and forgive the sins of the sick person.   The “elder” in this sacrament is the priest who administers the sacrament.   In addition to the priest, the presence of the church is in the loved ones who surround the bed of the sick person.

(2)   Depending on the condition of the sick person, the ritual may contain several prayers, litanies and scripture readings.   The Sacrament of Penance may also be administered before hand.   However, the only gestures and prayers that are absolutely essential in the ritual are the silent imposition of the hands of the priest on the head of the sick person followed by anointing with oil the forehead and hands with the accompanying prayers [see (3)].   The imposition of hands recalls the beautiful healing touch of Jesus in the many gospel healings.

(3)   The priest blesses or says a prayer of thanksgiving over the oil.   He then anoints the sick person on the forehead and hands.   While anointing the forehead he prays, “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit” and those present respond, “Amen.” While anointing the hands he prays, “May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.” Once again those present respond, “Amen.” If the circumstances dictate, the entire rite may consist simply of the imposition of hands and the anointing on the forehead and hands with the accompanying prayers.

(4)   The Letter of James assures us that “the prayer of faith will save the sick.”   With this sacrament there is always a healing in that sins are always forgiven and healing grace is always conferred. Many who receive the sacrament speak of an inner healing and/or a deepening of trust and confidence in a caring and provident God.   Sometimes there is even a physical healing or an improvement in the bodily illness of the sick person.   Depending on the gravity of the illness, the anointing also spiritually prepares the sick person for sharing in the paschal mystery of the dying and rising of Jesus. If the person is able to receive Holy Communion, that takes place after the anointing.

(5)   Presuming the right disposition on the part of even an unconscious sick person, sins are forgiven in the course of administering the sacrament.   For this reason only an ordained priest or bishop may administer this sacrament.