Johann+

Administering holy unction for illness is the norm. It is generally
understood that you anoint once only for a particular illness. However, that
being said, a person's circumstances in a particular illness can change and
then it would be permissible to anoint again (which would be the case you
cited), up to the point of death.

Unction is certainly the sacrament of healing when we follow James' epistle.
It conveys not only physical healing but also of mind and soul. It is for
the latter reasons that it is proper to anoint someone, especially if
comatose, just prior to death. The proper Sacrament at the point of death,
however, is Holy Communion. This is commonly referred to with the Latin word
Viaticum, which means "food for wayfaring" (following Aquinas's words), the
provision of strengthening grace for the journey into eternity.

Hope this helps.
Erich+

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "The Rev. Fr. Johann W. Vanderbijl III" <cranmer@...>
To: <faithandlife@...>
Sent: Wednesday, January 28, 2004 11:53 AM
Subject: Re: [FaithandLife] Re: Survey


> > Fr J:
> > This "preterist" understanding of Revelation is the one I learned in
> > seminary.  Tends to make the book a bit more relevant to the original
> > audience, huh?
> > MLW+
>
> JVDB:  Yes, I think that one must always strive to understand the original
> meaning by looking at the original audience and author.  For instance,
> knowing that the Jews called Abraham "Father" clears up the statement of
our
> Lord in Matthew 23:9. doesn't it?
>
> On a totally different topic...is it acceptable to adminster unction to
> someone whom you're not sure is dying?  I have a lady in our parish who
has
> had Parkinson's disease for years.  Lately she has deteriorated very
> rapidly, but whether or not she is actually close to death remains
> undetermined.  I am going to see her this afternoon and thought I would
use
> the service for the sick , but also sprinkle her with holy water, add a
> prayer for the dying and annoint her with holy oil after confession.  If I
> do this now and she lives on for weeks or months, will it be acceptable to
> do it again later?  How many times is one allowed to adminster holy
unction
> for the dying?
>
> Fr. J.
>
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