Extreme Unction
As we enter November, the month of the Holy Souls, it is fitting that we review the Sacrament that helps us transition from this life to the next, diverting us from the path to the eternal fire and preparing us for Judgment. The Sacrament of Extreme Unction (or “Last Anointing”) is so called because holy oil is used to anoint us when we are in danger of death from sickness. It may be administered several times, even during the same illness if the sick person recovers slightly and then relapses into a dangerous condition. It may be given to all Christians dangerously ill, who have ever been capable of committing sin after Baptism and who have the right dispositions for the Sacrament. Hence it is never given to children who have not reached the age of reason, nor to persons who have always been insane, nor to heretics. The right dispositions are 1) resignation to the will of God with regard to our recovery; 2) a state of grace or at least contrition for sins committed; and 3) a general intention or desire to receive the Sacrament.
The effects of Extreme Unction are also threefold: 1) to comfort us in the pains of sickness and strengthen us against temptations; 2) to remit venial sins and cleanse our soul from the remains of sin; and 3) to restore us to health, when God sees fit. The Sacrament will even take away mortal sin if the dying person is no longer able to confess, provided he has the sorrow for his sins necessary for the worthy reception of the Sacrament of Penance.
We should not wait until we are in extreme danger before receiving Extreme Unction, but if possible we should receive it whilst we have the use of our senses. If we are caring for a seriously sick person who will not consent or is afraid to receive the Sacrament or who wishes to put it off, we should send for the priest at once and let him do what he thinks best in the case. By doing this we will free ourselves from the responsibility of letting a Catholic die without the last Sacraments.
The parts of the body anointed in Extreme Unction are: the eyes, the ears, the nose or nostrils, the lips, the hands and the feet, because these represent our senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch, which are the means through which we have committed most of our sins.
When the priest is coming to give the last Sacraments, a table should be covered with a white cloth, and on it should be placed a crucifix, two lighted candles in candlesticks, holy water in a small vessel, a glass of clean water, a tablespoon and a napkin or cloth to be placed under the chin of the one receiving the Viaticum. The priest will also need some cotton swabs for the anointing as well as a small piece of bread or lemon to purify his fingers. These things should be carefully kept in every Catholic family, and should never, if possible, be used for any other purpose. Everything in the sick room should be as neat and clean as possible. Especially should the face, hands and feet of the one to be anointed be thoroughly clean. Make sure to get in touch with Fr. Hall if you have any questions.