Symbols
1519 The celebration of the sacrament includes the following principal elements: the "priests of the Church"133 - in silence - lay hands on the sick; they pray over them in the faith of the Church134 - this is the epiclesis proper to this sacrament; they then anoint them with oil blessed, if possible, by the bishop.
Catechism of The Catholic Church, 1519.
Oil of the Sick
The olive oil blessed by the bishop of a diocese for use in the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Commonly abbreviated O.I. (oleum infirmorum, oil of the sick).
Another word for anointing with oil is “unction”. The Anointing of the Sick was once called “Extreme Unction” because; in the past it was usually given to people who were near to death.
A bishop or priest blesses the olive oil for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, but when this cannot be obtained another plant oil can be used. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
The olive oil blessed by the bishop of a diocese for use in the sacrament of anointing of the sick. Commonly abbreviated O.I. (oleum infirmorum, oil of the sick).
Another word for anointing with oil is “unction”. The Anointing of the Sick was once called “Extreme Unction” because; in the past it was usually given to people who were near to death.
A bishop or priest blesses the olive oil for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, but when this cannot be obtained another plant oil can be used. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
The laying on of the hands
For a sick, elderly or dying person, the touch of another person in the ritual of the laying on of the hands intends to communicate comfort, care and concern. The priest lays his hands upon the person and silently prays.
In many Church sacraments, the celebration includes someone touching another person. In the sacrament of Holy Orders, for example, the bishop lays his hands on the man to be ordained; he also does this as part of the ritual for the sacrament of Confirmation.
For a sick, elderly or dying person, the touch of another person in the ritual of the laying on of the hands intends to communicate comfort, care and concern. The priest lays his hands upon the person and silently prays.
In many Church sacraments, the celebration includes someone touching another person. In the sacrament of Holy Orders, for example, the bishop lays his hands on the man to be ordained; he also does this as part of the ritual for the sacrament of Confirmation.
Maurice, R. (1999). Sacraments of Healing.