As human beings on a journey towards our heavenly inheritance, we are confronted with various conditions. These human conditions could include though are not limited to: vulnerability to illness, sin, physical infirmity and death. The sacrament of anointing has evolved through the ages. Inviting the representatives of the Church community to visit and pray for the sick has bases in Sacred Scripture (James 5: 14) and in Sacred tradition.

Prior to Vatican Council II, the Sacrament of the anointing of the sick was known as ‘last rites or extreme unction’. From the Second Vatican Council’s understanding, the Sacrament of anointing is intended for the healing of the sick, forgiveness of their sins and restoration to the community of faith. The good news is the sacrament of anointing does not imply that the sick person is going to die. In fact, the salvation history entails the holistic healing of the human person from his/her conditions in life. According to CCC (1499) ‘‘By the sacred anointing of the sick and the prayer of the priests, the whole Church commends those who are ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that He may raise them up and save them…’’ Anointing of the sick honors both the physical and spiritual healing presence of Christ.