What is Anointing of the Sick?

The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is performed when a person is very ill and close to death. Most likely, it is the last sacrament an individual receives before dying. During the Anointing of the Sick, a person is given spiritual and physical relief from pain. It is a way of uniting a person who is in pain with the pain Jesus felt when He was killed on the cross.

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Who receives the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick? An individual who is very sick and on the verge of death will receive Anointing of the Sick. [back to the top]

Who performs Anointing of the Sick?

Anointing of the Sick is performed by a priest, who comes to visit the sick person, either at home, in the hospital, or in a nursing home.

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What happens during Anointing of the Sick? A priest anoints the sick patient with holy oil and lays his hands on him or her, which is a traditional sign of healing. [back to the top]