The sacrament of the unction of the sick is the Church’s specific prayer for healing. The Holy Apostle James writes: “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.” (Ja. 5:14–16). The express purpose of the sacrament of holy unction is healing and forgiveness. Since it is not always the will of God that there should be physical healing, the prayer of Christ that God’s will be done always remains as the proper context of the sacrament. In addition, the sacrament grants forgiveness of sins and spiritual healing. For this reason, it is celebrated once a year for all the faithful on Holy and Great Wednesday.
For the celebration of the holy unction, contact the parish priest.