Definition

Noun: 1. A sacrament of the Roman Catholic Church: A religious rite in which a priest anoints a person who is seriously ill, elderly, or near death with consecrated oil, accompanied by prayer for spiritual and sometimes physical healing, and for the forgiveness of sins. It is one of the seven sacraments.

Usage

• The term "anointing of the sick" is used formally to refer to the sacrament itself.
• It is administered to those in a state of grave illness or infirmity due to age.
• It is often received once during a serious illness, but can be repeated if the condition worsens or if a new serious illness occurs.

Examples

• The family requested the anointing of the sick for their grandmother as her health declined.
• In his final hours, the priest performed the anointing of the sick.
• The sacrament of the anointing of the sick is meant to provide comfort and spiritual strength.

Advanced Usage

• "To receive the anointing of the sick": This is the standard phrase for a person undergoing this sacrament.
  • The patient was conscious and able to receive the anointing of the sick.
• "To administer the anointing of the sick": This is the standard phrase for the priest performing the rite.
  • The chaplain was called to the hospital to administer the anointing of the sick.

Variants and Related Words

• Extreme Unction (noun): An older name for this sacrament, emphasizing its administration to those at the point of death. While still understood, "anointing of the sick" is the preferred contemporary term.
• Last Rites (noun phrase): This often refers to a combination of sacraments given at the end of life, which typically includes Penance (Confession), the Anointing of the Sick, and Viaticum (Holy Communion). It is a broader term.
• Anoint (verb): To smear or rub with oil, typically as part of a religious ceremony.
• Sacrament (noun): A religious ceremony or act regarded as an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace.

Synonyms

• Sacrament of the sick: A direct synonym.
• Last anointing: A less common synonym.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is strictly theological and liturgical, specific to the Roman Catholic and some other Christian traditions (e.g., Eastern Orthodox, Anglican). It is not a general medical or secular term.
• The purpose is not solely for those on the verge of death but for any baptized Catholic suffering from a serious illness or the frailty of old age. It is a sacrament of healing for the soul and, if it be God's will, for the body.

Noun

1. a Catholic sacrament; a priest anoints a dying person with oil and prays for salvation