Course 2, Chapter 43: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Extreme Unction

1. What is extreme unction?

Extreme unction is a sacrament instituted by our Lord for the spiritual and corporal consolation of the sick.

2. What is the matter of extreme unction?

The matter of extreme unction is the oil blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday. The oil is blessed to show that it operates in the sacrament, not by its own virtue, but by the power of God.

3. What is the form of the sacrament?

The form of the sacrament are these words, pronounced by the priest whilst he anoints the different senses: Through this holy unction and his own most tender mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou hast committed by thy sight, thy hearing thy smell, fyc.

4. Why are the different senses anointed?

The different senses are anointed to purify them and expiate the sins of which they have been the. in struments.

5. Who is the minister of this sacrament?

The minister of this sacrament is the priest.

6. What are the effects of extreme unction?

The effects of extreme unction are: 1st, to restore health, when useful for the salvation of the soul; 2d, to efface unknown or forgotten sins; 3d, to take away the effects of sin, such as heaviness, which prevents the soul from raising itself up to God; 4th, to comfort and fortify the sick, so as to enable them to bear with patience the pains of sickness.

7. What are the dispositions for receiving this sacrament?

The dispositions for receiving this sacrament, are

1st, to be in a state of grace; 2d, to make, whilst receiving it, acts of faith, love and contrition; 3d, to receive it whilst in our senses; for this, it is well to get some one to promise to let us know when we are in dan ^er.

8. Of what sin would he be guilty, who, through contempt, should neglect to receive extreme unction?

He who, through contempt, should neglect to receive extreme unction would be guilty of a great sin.

9. How was this sacrament formerly received?

This sacrament was formerly received in the Church or at home, the sick person being on his knees: which shows that it was not deferred till the last moment. The sick was then placed upon sackcloth and ashes, in order that he might, in some measure, imitate our Lord dying on the cross.

10. How should the sick chamber be arranged?

The sick chamber should be clean, the bed should have a white cover; there should be a table covered with a white cloth, and on it a crucifix, two lighted candles, holy water, and a plate with some cotton and apiece of bread to cleanse the fingers of the priest, and also water to wash them.

11. What end is proposed in the prayers said by the .priest in the administration of this sacrament?

The end proposed in these prayers is to obtain for the sick person the divine mercy, health, and conformity to the will of God.

12. What end is proposed in the prayers for the departing?

The end proposed, is to aid the sick person to die well; and after death, to obtain his deliverance from purgatory.

13. What are the other advantages of extreme unction?

The other advantages of the sacrament of extreme unction are; 1st, to console us for the loss of our relations and friends, by the hope of seeing them again

228 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

in a better life; 2d, to proclaim aloud the dogma of immortality, the great restraint upon the passions which desolate the world.