The sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is administered during periods of illness - often near the time of death - in order to bring the person receiving it spiritual and physical strength. As a sacrament (an outward sign of something internal), it is performed to give God’s grace through the Holy Spirit.

The Catholic Catechism (Catholic teaching) states: This sacred anointing of the sick was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the apostle and brother of the Lord.

It is designed to help the sick to be strengthened spiritually against temptation, discouragement and anxiety. These should be replaced by a sense of strength and peace. The Catholic Church finds the basis for this sacrament in the New Testament because Jesus sent out his followers to preach and heal the sick.