Anointing of the Sick in the Catholic Church

Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived.

It gives comfort, peace, courage and, if the sick person is unable to make a confession, even forgiveness of sins.

Through the sacrament a gift of the Holy Spirit is given, that renews confidence and faith in God and strengthens against temptations to discouragement, despair and anguish at the thought of death and the struggle of death; it prevents the believer from losing Christian hope in God's justice, truth and salvation.

Peter Lombard (died 1160) is the first writer known to have used the term,[15] which did not become the usual name in the West until towards the end of the 12th century, and never became current in the East.

[16] The word extreme (meaning 'final') indicated either that it was the last of the sacramental unctions (after the anointings at Baptism, Confirmation and, if received, Holy Orders) or because at that time it was normally administered only when a patient was in extremis (near death).

[15] In the early 1970s, the official name was changed to Anointing of the Sick to reflect Church teaching that the sacrament is to be conferred on those who are "dangerously ill".

A priest may, on the basis of his pastoral judgment, administer the sacrament numerous times in cases of old age or chronic illness.

He may also, in accordance with local culture and traditions, and the needs of the sick person, anoint other parts of the body, but without repeating the sacramental formula.

The sense in question was then mentioned: sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, walking, carnal delectation.