Prayer for the Anointing of the Sick

The Anointing of the Sick (formerly called Extreme Unction) is one of the two Sacraments of Healing (with Reconciliation). Its biblical foundation is direct: «Is any man sick among you? Let him bring in the priests of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick man: and the Lord shall raise him up: and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him» (Jas 5:14-15). The Council of Trent, Session XIV (1551), can. 1-4 on Extreme Unction, defined under anathema that «this Unction of the sick is truly a sacrament instituted by Christ our Lord and promulgated by the blessed James the Apostle». The Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 1499 teaches that through the Anointing the Church «commends those who are gravely ill to the suffering and glorified Lord, that he may raise them up and save them». This prayer may be made by those preparing to receive the sacrament, by family members for the sick person, and as part of the spiritual assistance to the dying.

Lord Jesus Christ, physician of souls and of bodies, who during your public life laid your hands on the sick and healed them; who sent the Apostles to do the same in your Name (cf. Mk 16:18); and who instituted for your Church, through the Apostle James, the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick: look with mercy on the brother (or sister) (N.) who is preparing to receive your sanctified oil.

By your Passion, forgive the sins he/she may have committed and of which he/she repents. By your Cross, grant him/her the grace to unite his/her present sufferings to Calvary, filling up in his/her body «what is wanting of the sufferings of Christ, for his body, which is the church» (Col 1:24).

If it be your will, restore to him/her bodily health, that he/she may yet serve you. If not, grant him/her the peace of soul for the final journey, and — through the intercession of Mary Help of Christians, of St Joseph patron of a good death, of St Camillus of Lellis, and of St Joseph of Cupertino — make him/her a saint in the last hours, ready to appear before your friendly judgment.

Through Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Our Father. Hail Mary. Glory be.