316. Who can receive the sacrament of the anointing of the sick?
(Comp
316) Any member of the faithful can receive this sacrament as soon as he
or she begins to be in danger of death because of sickness or old age. The faithful
who receive this sacrament can receive it several times if their illness
becomes worse or another serious sickness afflicts them. The celebration of
this sacrament should, if possible, be preceded by individual confession on the
part of the sick person.
“In brief”
(CCC 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 1529) 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.
To deepen and explain
(CCC 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" (SC 73; cf. CIC, Cann. 1004 § 1; 1005; 1007; CCEO, Can. 738).
Reflection
(CCC 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.
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