On Faith — an exposition of the Nicene Creed, article by article.
On Unction with Oil.
Chapter 21
1364. What is Unction with Oil? I
2Unction with Oil is a Sacrament, in which, while the body is anointed with oil, God's grace is invoked on the sick, to heal him of spiritual and bodily infirmities.
3365. Whence is the origin of this Sacrament?
4From the Apostles, who, having received power from Jesus Christ, anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. Mark vi. 13 .
5The Apostles left this Sacrament to the priests of the Church, as is evident from the following words of the Apostle James: Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the Church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James v. 14, 16 .