As the Primordial Sacrament Christ healed many by signs such a a word, touch, wet clay, etc. He gave the apostles the mission to heal when he sent them two by two as is written "The twelve drove out many demons, and they anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them". (Mk 6:13) After the Resurrection Christ renewed the " (Mk 16:17-18) Christ is therefore, the origin of the Sacrament of the Sick.

The early Church continued this mandate to heal the sick as expressed by James:

"Is anyone among you sick?
He should summon the presbyters of the church,
and they should pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,
and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up.
If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven." (Jas 5:14-15)

Olive Oil was used in this sacrament and fittingly so because it signifies healing by natural healing properties and was used to consecrate in the Old Testament. This oil from the olive tree also associates us with Christ who suffered among the olive trees in Gethsemane. Now the church uses olive oil preferably (or other vegetable oil) if olive oil is not available.

At one time this sacrament was called "Extreme Unction" implying for those who were actually dying. Christ intended it as the Sacrament of Healing so that now anyone who is "seriously ill" may be anointed. By "seriously ill" is meant anyone who is in danger of death. For example, an aged person who is to undergo surgery may be anointed prior to surgery.

The priest anoints the forehead and palms of the hands with Sacred Oil and says:

Through this holy anointing

may the Lord in his love and mercy

help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit.

May the Lord who frees you from sin

save you and raise you up.

Amen.

1) It unites the sick person to the passion of Christ.

2) Gives the sick person strength, peace and courage.

3) It forgives all sins if the sick person was unable to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation.

4) If it is for the good of the person, he/she will be physically healed.

5) It prepares the person for entrance into Eternal life.