Extreme Unction

COMPENDIUM

Extreme Unction is a Sacrament instituted for the spiritual and even temporal relief of the sick who are in danger of death. It produces the following effects:

1. It increases sanctifying grace.
2. It cancels venial sins and even mortal sins which the repentant sick person is unable to confess.
3. It removes the feebleness and languor towards the good which remain even after pardon of sin has been obtained.
4. It gives strength to bear illness patiently, to resist all temptations, and to die a holy death.
5. It helps to restore health of body, if it be profitable for the salvation of the soul.

The Holy Oil should be administered when the illness is dangerous, and after the sick person has received, if he can, the Sacraments of Penance and of the Eucharist; although it is well to receive it when still of sound mind and with some hope of life. This is because, by receiving it with better dispositions, it may be fruitful, and again, because as this Sacrament restores health of the body, if it be expedient for the soul, by helping the forces of nature, we ought not to wait until recovery is despaired of.

The principal dispositions for receiving Extreme Unction are:

1. To be in the state of grace;
2. To have confidence in the power of this sacrament and in the mercy of God;
3. To be resigned to the will of the Lord.

On seeing the Priest, the sick person should feel gratitude to God for having sent him, receive him willingly, and ask, if he can, for the comforts of religion.

CATECHISM

808. What is Extreme Unction?

Extreme Unction is a Sacrament instituted for the spiritual as well as for the temporal comfort of the sick in danger of death.

809. What are the effects of Extreme Unction?

The Sacrament of Extreme Unction produces the following effects: 1. it increases sanctifying grace; 2. it remits venial sins, and also mortal sins which the sick person, if contrite, is unable to confess; 3. it takes away weakness and sloth which remain even after pardon has been obtained; 4. it gives strength to bear illness patiently, to withstand temptation and to die a holy death; 5. it aids in restoring us to health of body if it is for the good of the soul.

810. When should Extreme Unction be received?

Extreme Unction should be received when the illness is dangerous, and after the sick person has received, if possible, the Sacraments of Penance and the Blessed Eucharist; it is even well to receive it while he has the use of his senses, and has still some hope of recovery.

811. Why is it well to receive Extreme Unction when the sick person has still the use of his senses, and has still some hope of recovery?

It is well to receive Extreme Unction while the sick person retains the use of his senses, and while there remains some hope of his recovery because: 1. he thus receives it with better dispositions, and is hence able to derive greater fruit from it; 2. this sacrament restores health of body (should it be for the good of the soul) by assisting the powers of nature; and hence it should not be deferred until recovery is despaired of.

812. With what dispositions should the Sacrament of Extreme Unction be received?

The principal dispositions for receiving Extreme Unction are: 1. to be in the state of grace; 2. to have confidence in the power of this sacrament and in the mercy of God; 3. to be resigned to the will of the Lord.

813. What should be the sick person's feelings on seeing the priest?

On seeing the Priest, the sick person should feel thankful to God for having sent him; and should gladly receive the comforts of religion, which, if he is able, he should request himself.