The Effect of Extreme Unction

The chief effect of extreme unction is in the soul ofthe recipient, and is by way of bringing grace. Now, grace is not compatible with sin. Hence, if there be sin on the soul of the recipient, mortal or venial, extreme unction takes it away,provided the recipient does not block this effect by his own bad will. Further, extreme unction removes from the soul the remains of sin, that is, the weaknesses consequent upon sin, such as the readiness to relapse into it. Thus this sacrament achieves its main purpose, which is to fortify the soul, to strengthen it and heartenit for the stresses of its last earthly hours, so that it may face death and judgment with resolution and confidence.

Bodily healing is an effect of extreme unction when the good of the sick person’s soul requires it. Otherwise, extremeunction has no curative effect upon the body.

The sacraments which give a person Christian existence(baptism), or set and equip him for a special sacred task and duty(confirmation, holy orders), imprint an indelible character upon the soul. Extreme unction is not one ofthese sacraments, and it therefore imprints no character.