243. In case of grave illness . . .

In case of grave illness . . .

YOUCAT Catechism + Catechism of the Catholic Church Lesson 243

Ave Maria series

243  For whom is the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick intended?

The sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be received by any Catholic whose health is in a critical state.  [1514-1515, 1528-1529]

The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. …..243

One can receive the Anointing of the Sick several times in one’s life.  Therefore it makes sense for young people to ask for this sacrament also, if, for example they are to undergo a serious operation.  On such occasions many Catholics combine the Anointing of the Sick with a (general) confession; in case the operation fails, they want to go to meet God with a clear conscience.

[1514-1515, 1528-1529]

In case of grave illness . . .

1514  The Anointing of the Sick "is not a sacrament for those only who are at the point of death. Hence, as soon as anyone of the faithful begins to be in danger of death from sickness or old age, the fitting time for him to receive this sacrament has certainly already arrived."(Sacrosanctum Concilium 73; compare Codes Iuris Canonici, Cann. 1004 § 1; CIC 1005; 1007; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarm Orientalium, Can. 738.)¹³⁰ –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

1515  If a sick person who received this anointing recovers his health, he can in the case of another grave illness receive this sacrament again. If during the same illness the person's condition becomes more serious, the sacrament may be repeated. It is fitting to receive the Anointing of the Sick just prior to a serious operation. The same holds for the elderly whose frailty becomes more pronounced. –CCC

IN BRIEF

1528  The proper time for receiving this holy anointing has certainly arrived when the believer begins to be in danger of death because of illness or old age. –CCC

1528 Each time a Christian falls seriously ill, he may receive the Anointing of the Sick, and also when, after he has received it, the illness worsens. –CCC

Sacrament  Anointing of the