EXTREME UNCTION
Concerning this Sacrament is the error of the Elaeonitae, who are said to anoint their dying with oil and balsam and water and to accompany the anointing with invocations in Hebrew pronounced over the head of the sick. This is, however, contrary to the form handed down by St. James, as given above.
(For “Questions for Discussion” see Chapter 6.)
ENDNOTES
30. Anointing of the feet may now be omitted (Canon 947).
31. “This Sacrament imparts grace which remits sins, especially lighter sins or venial sins; for mortal sins are removed by the Sacrament of Penance. Extreme Unction was not instituted primarily for the remission of grave offenses; only Baptism and Penance accomplish this directly. . . . Finally, the recovery of health, if indeed advantageous, is another effect of the Sacrament” (“Roman Catechism,” “Extreme Unction,” 14-16).