“Heal the sick!” The Church has received this charge from the Lord and strives to carry it out by taking care of the sick as well as by accompanying them with her prayer of intercession. She believes in the life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of souls and bodies. (CCC 1509)

The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, sometimes called Last Rites, brings the healing and comforting presence of Christ to those who are ill, facing surgery, or experiencing the effects of old age—not only those who are near death. Through anointing with oil and prayer, the faithful receive spiritual strength, peace, and courage to endure suffering with faith. This Sacrament unites the sick with Christ’s own suffering, offers grace for healing when God wills, and reminds us of God’s abiding care and love in every stage of life.