The liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council again stress the ancient practice of this sacrament as the anointing of the sick. This sacrament is for those suffering from serious illness, for the elderly, for those facing major surgery, as well as for the dying. The sick person may repeat the sacrament if, after recovery, he or she falls ill again or if the original condition worsens.

Today's ritual includes the following essential elements: the priest lays hands on the sick; he prays for them in the faith of the church; and he anoints their forehead and hands with blessed oil blessed previously by a bishop.

The sacrament of anointing has several effects:

• It wipes away sin and its remnants if a person has not been able to obtain forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation.
• It brings about physical healing when this will help the person in his or her condition before God.
• It unites the anointed person more closely to Christ's redemptive passion. By associating with the Lord's passion, the sick contribute through their suffering to their own good and the welfare of all God's people.
• The person who receives this sacrament and viaticum shortly before death has the nourishment necessary for the passover form this life to eternity with the Triune God.