Should my baby have received the anointing of the sick?

[cemb]

Almost two years ago our infant daughter became gravely ill and had to be hospitalized on the evening of her baptism. At our request our priest administered the anointing of the sick. Recently we read that this sacrament is reserved for those who have reached the age of reason. We feel this sacrament was helpful in her healing, as she is healthy today.

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

The anointing of the sick is primarily cleanses the soul of sin and prepares the soul for heaven. Physical healing is a possible secondary effect. That is why anointing usually is reserved for those who have attained the ability to commit personal sin. What your daughter could have received at the time of her grave illness was the sacrament of confirmation, which would have completed her initiation into the Church before death should God have called her home at that time.