Christian Preparedness Guides Part 4
Although not directly related to Christian Preparedness for crisis situations, I think it is still fitting to discuss the Sacrament of Extreme Unction. Extreme Unction, (nowadays called Anointing of the Sick) is contained explicitly in the Bible:
“Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders 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)
The elders (presbyters) are of course the priests of the Church.
The Catechism of St. Pius X teaches:
“Q. What are the effects of Extreme Unction?
A. The sacrament of Extreme Unction produces the following effects: (1) It increases sanctifying grace; (2) It remits venial sins, and also mortal sins which the sick person, if contrite, is unable to confess; (3) It takes away weakness and sloth which remain even after pardon has been obtained; (4) It gives strength to bear illness patiently, to withstand temptation and to die holily; (5) It aids in restoring us to health of body if it is for the good of the soul.”
Catholics who are seriously ill can and should receive this sacrament. The sacrament is not for people who have some mild illness, but only for those whose illness is grave. Persons who are at danger of death, but not from illness, cannot receive it.
The patient should not delay this sacrament, thinking that he will die if he receives it. If it is God’s will, the sacrament can help at recovery. If the sickness improves and then worsens later, the person may receive the sacrament again.
Next, I’m going to look at what one can do to prepare for a visit of the priest. I’m going to quote the German priest Martin Ramm FSSP on this issue. He published the small booklet “Die letzten Dinge” (“The last things”), dealing with the issue of a Catholic death.
Practical advice for relatives
If a relative becomes seriously ill, a priest should be called as soon as possible. This is a act of charity to the sick person. Anyone who fails to do so out of misguided “consideration” or waits until the sick person has lost consciousness incurs great guilt. Experience shows that nothing can calm a sick person better than receiving the holy Sacraments.
When you call the priest, tell him the condition of the sick person, whether he or she is conscious and whether he or she can swallow.
In the sickroom
If possible, the room should be well ventilated. Place a chair for the priest next to the sickbed. Set up a white-covered table (preferably not too low) near the bed so that it is clearly visible to the sick person. There must be enough space at the front of the table for the Blessed Sacrament. At the back, place a crucifix between two burning candles, with a small bowl of holy water and a small plate with five cotton balls in front of it. For cleaning the fingers after the anointing of the sick, have a glass of drinking water, a small bowl of salt, and a small towel ready.
If only Holy Communion is administered, but not the Anointing of the Sick, the plate with cotton balls, the salt, and the towel are not needed.
Waiting for the priest
When the sick person is waiting for the priest, he should endeavor to prepare as dignified a reception as possible for the Savior. The priest should find a reverent atmosphere of faithful expectation and spiritual recollection in the sickroom. Just as it is natural in church to maintain holy silence and not to chat, so it should be in the sickroom, for at that moment it becomes, as it were, a temple and a place of special closeness to God.
Receiving the Sacraments
It is very beautiful and desirable if, as far as possible, the whole family attends the administration of the Sacraments and gives the responses clearly and distinctly together. When the priest arrives with the Blessed Sacrament, the candles should already be lit. Upon his entry into the sickroom, everyone kneels reverently. If the sick person wishes to make a Confession, the family leaves the room. Meanwhile, they pray for the sick person. As soon as the priest opens the door, everyone comes back in and kneels to attend the sacred ceremony.
After the administration of the holy Sacraments
After the priest has left, the sick person should be left alone for a while to give thanks. Only then is the table cleared. The cotton wool used during the Anointing of the Sick is burned. The water and salt are poured on the ground in the garden.