Anointing of the Sick
Anointing of the Sick is a Sacrament of Healing. Anointing calls to mind the healing Jesus effected during His public ministry and His entrusting this ministry to His disciples.
The anointing with the oil and the accompanying words spoken by the priest point to the grace of the Holy Spirit which is given to help the person in sickness, free the person from sin, save and raise up the sick person to everlasting life (Jm 5.15). Anointing points to the complete and perfect healing and raising up of our bodies in glory when Christ comes again.
The anointing of the sick is administered to bring spiritual and even physical strength during an illness, especially near the time of death. It is most likely one of the last sacraments one will receive.
