UNCTION OF THE SICK, HOLY SACRAMENT OF THE

The sacramental use of anointing the sick with oil, symbolic of the act of cleansing and healing.

One of the seven sacraments of the church, after the teachings of St. James the apostle: "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven" Jam. 5:14­15.

It is instituted by the apostles, through Jesus Christ who, as attested by Mark 6:13, "they...anointed with oil many that were sick and healed them". One learns that the practice was carried out by the disciples and apostles to fulfill what Christ had assigned them to do.

It is called a "lamp," for seven lamps are lit during the recite of these prayers.

The priest prays together with the sick person's family.