Tis_Bearself
Patron
Just so you know, it’s not called “Extreme Unction” any more or regarded as the “Last Rites”. The catechism you cited is really old and out of date. The sacrament is now called the Anointing of the Sick and you can get it any time you are seriously ill or even frail and elderly. There are regular church services where any person who’s very sick or elderly can come and receive the sacrament. Both of my parents got it multiple times before they finally checked out. You can also call the priest when someone is dying and he will come and administer it, but the old idea of it being the sacrament just for a dying person is out of date.The Catechism of St. Pope Pius X :
Q. What are the effects of Extreme Unction?
A. The sacrament of Extreme Unction produces the following effects: (1) It increases sanctifying grace; (2) It remits venial sins, and also mortal sins which the sick person, if contrite, is unable to confess; (3) It takes away weakness and sloth which remain even After pardon has been obtained; (4) It gives strength to bear illness patiently, to withstand temptation and to die holily; (5) It aids in restoring us to health of body if it is for the good of the soul.
Here is the new catechism section:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p2s2c2a5.htm
Anointing of the Sick does cause sins to be forgiven, see section 1520, but note that the person is supposed to still be alive when they get the sacrament. It is not something that is given to a dead body. Extreme Unction also required that a person be alive - even just a tiny bit alive. Once you’re dead, it’s up to God.
Now as stated above it can be kind of hard to tell if somebody is really truly dead, so if in any doubt, the priest would probably just give the sacrament and hope for the best.
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