Paul VI Apostolic Constitution on the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick

Abstract

A post-Vatican II renewed ritual of the sacrament of the anointing of the sick (Ordo unctionis infirmorum) contains many significant changes compared with the post-Tridentine ritual. The new ritual is prefaced by the Apostolic Constitution Sacram unctionem infirmorum of Paul VI in which the Pope recalls the teaching and practice of the Church concerning the sacrament. Furthermore, it goes on to outline the significant changes and different emphasis introduced in the new ritual. The following are some of these: the object of the sacrament (in danger of death from sickness or old age – senses); sacramental sign; the matter – olive oil may be used but so too may other oils from different plants; the form of the sacrament, which highlights its effects – it is help given by the grace of the Holy Spirit, it is an aid to our salvation and is to be used to pray for restoration and healing of the sick. The Pope significantly departs from the name extrema unction, by which name the sacrament had been previously known, to introduce a new name, unctio infirmorum.