Anointing of the Sick and

Last Rites

The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived." 

 

In this sacrament the priest anoints the forehead and palms of hands with oil that has been blessed by the bishop. The oil symbolizes and invites healing prayer for strength and hope and a greater awareness of God’s love.  As the priest does this, he prays: “Through this holy anointing may the Lord in his love and mercy help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.  May the Lord who frees you from sin save you and raise you up.”

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Last Rites

 

Last Rites is the common name given to the three Sacraments of Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, and the Eucharist as Viaticum (the last Holy Communion) which are offered when able near or at the point of death.   

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