Among the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, one is destined in a special way for those experiencing grave illness or at the point of death: Anointing of the Sick.
During his earthly life, Jesus performed many miracles of healing.
Not only that; He also forgave sins: He came to heal the entire human person, body and soul.
The physical healings were signs of a more radical healing: victory over sin and death, through His cross and resurrection.
Since then, suffering and illness have taken on new meaning. They've become instruments of unity with Him and of collaboration in His work of redemption.
Jesus taught His apostles His preference and care for the sick and suffering and made them participants in His healing mission.
The Church continues Jesus' mission, whether through providing care or through intercessory prayer and the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick.
Right from its origins there are testimonies of a specific rite for the sick.
Even today, the Church celebrates Anointing of the Sick in a similar way.
Only a priest can administer this sacrament: He lays his hands on the sick person in danger of death, prays over him, and anoints him on the forehead and hands with blessed oil.
During the course of the same illness the sacrament can be repeated if the illness becomes worse. If the sick person gets better, they can receive this sacrament again in the case of another grave illness.
The essential condition for receiving this sacrament is to be in danger of death; that includes, for example, before a risky operation.
It's not necessary to be at the point of death: the Church recommends receiving this sacrament possibly when the person is still of sound mind and with some hope of surviving to be able to participate more fully in its benefits.
In this sacrament, the Spirit gives comfort, peace, and courage to face the last stretch of life. It renews our faith and strengthens us against the devil's temptations, such as discouragement and anguish in the face of death.
The sick person receives the strength to unite himself to Christ's passion and to offer his sufferings for the good of God's people: the Church intercedes for the sick person and the sufferer contributes to the sanctification of the Church.
If the sick person is not fully conscious it's possible to administer the sacrament if the person "does not knowingly reject" the gift of grace. It's the same as what happens with the baptism of children.
After Baptism and Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick is the last anointing of our Christian life and it prepares us to face the last battle before entering the Father's House.
Also for this reason, the Church offers those who are about to leave this life the Eucharist, as viaticum for eternal life.
What the Church proposes isn't a magical healing rite but the comfort and certainty of Christ's closeness:
