Anointing of the Sick

Christ’s compassion toward the sick and his many healings of every kind of infirmity are a resplendent sign that “God has visited his people” and that the Kingdom of God is close at hand.  Jesus has the power to heal the whole man, soul and body; he is the physician the sick have need of.  His compassion toward all who suffer goes so far that he identifies himself with them:  “I was sick and you visited me.”  His preferential love for the sick has not ceased through the centuries to draw the very special attention of Christians toward all those who suffer in body and soul.  It is the source of tireless efforts to comfort them.  (CCC1503)

“Is any among you sick?  Let him call for the presbyters of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith will save the sick man, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.” (Jas 5:14-15)