What is the sacrament which, when he is about to die, prepares man for his entrance into heaven?
It is the sacrament of Extreme Unction (XXIX. 1).
What is this sacrament?
It is that holy rite instituted by Jesus Christ, that consists in anointing with the holy oils one who is about to die; God is asked to remit whatsoever remains of spiritual weakness which is due to past sin, so that the soul might recover fully and perfectly its spiritual health; with this renewed vigour of soul man is prepared to enter the glory of heaven (XXIX.-XXXII.).
Does this sacrament remit sins?
No, for it is not ordained either against original sin as is Baptism, nor against mortal sin as is Penance, nor in a sense against venial sins, as is the Holy Eucharist; but its object is to restore strength to the soul after the evil of sin has been taken away. However, by reason of the special grace it confers which is incompatible with sin, it can remit indirectly the sins which are in the soul, provided there be no obstacle on the part of the person; that is to say if the person is in good faith and has done all he can to get rid of them (XXX. 1).
Does Extreme Unction also bring back health to the body?
Yes; indeed it is one of the proper effects of this sacrament to do this, and in such wise that always, provided the person puts no obstacle in the way, the virtue of this sacrament brings back physical strength and bodily health; and this it does in such measure that the spiritual health may be benefited thereby, for this latter is the primary and principal effect of the sacrament (XXX. 2).
Next - The Catechism of the Summa - Tertia Pars - XLI. OF THE SACRAMENT OF EXTREME UNCTION (B)
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