When Vatican II changed the name of this sacrament from “Extreme Unction” to the “Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick,” it intended by that name change to indicate a change in purpose. The sacrament was no longer to be administered only to those at the point of death.   That had not been the practice of Jesus or of the early church.   Certainly it may and ought to be administered to those whose death is imminent.   But it may also be administered to those whose illnesses, though serious, are not immediately life threatening.   Thus, those who are about to undergo surgery of any kind or those who are in the early stages of a serious illness such as cancer or who are suffering from a chronic disease such as diabetes or heart disease may receive the Sacrament.   Also those in their senior years, when life is more fragile and vulnerable, may receive it.

Those with serious bodily illnesses or advanced in age are not the only ones who may approach the sacrament of healing grace. There are other illnesses of soul and spirit as well as illnesses of addictions of every kind.   Of these Father Thomas Richstatter, O.F. M. writes in Catholic Update : “Today one does not have to be a doctor to know that physical health is related to mental and spiritual health. We all know how a divorce can cause ulcers; how being overworked and run-down can make one more susceptible to the flu. Often a person who decides to withdraw from an addiction experiences not only physical pain but also suffers from anxiety and depression. Mothers have told me of how, after the physical trauma of childbirth, the joy of having a baby can be completely covered over by the hormonally induced postpartum depression that sometimes follows.”   Father Richstatter goes on to describe a number of other examples of illnesses whose sufferers would benefit from a sacramental encounter with the healing grace of Jesus in this sacrament.

When the priest blesses the oil that he will use in administering the sacrament of the sick he asks God to "send the power of your Holy Spirit, the Consoler, into this precious oil. Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction" ( Pastoral Care of the Sick , #123).    The use of the words, “in body, in soul and in spirit” in this blessing speaks to the wider embrace of this sacrament as envisioned by its new name, Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.   Each of the seven sacraments touches the whole person --in body, soul and spirit.   This is particularly true of this sacrament.  

The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides a helpful guideline regarding the frequency of this sacrament by those who are ill: “Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive this Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens” (# 1529).   In other words, this sacrament that was never meant to be received only at the end of life ought to be received as frequently as is necessary given the nature and gravity of one’s illness.   Jesus, the Divine Physician, wants to be close to those who suffer.