Chapter II: On the Minister of Extreme Unction

— The minister of valid administration is every and only a priest (c. 938, §1).

The ordinary minister is the pastor of the place in which the sick person dwells. Yet a bishop is anointed by the dignity or canon of the cathedral chapter to whom it belongs (c. 397, 3). In every clerical religion, however, it is the right and office of the Superiors that by themselves or through another they administer Extreme Unction to the professed, novices, and others dwelling in the religious house day and night by reason of service, or education, or infirm health (c. 514, §1).

In a case of necessity, or by reasonably presumed license of the same pastor or local Ordinary, any other priest can administer this sacrament (c. 938, §2).

These words prove that the local Ordinary also has the right of administering Extreme Unction to those who lie sick in his territory.

— The ordinary minister must administer this sacrament by himself or through another from justice; and indeed under mortal obligation to those who ask for it, unless a just cause excuses. For with danger to life he is not bound to administer it to those for whom provision is made through the sacrament of Penance.

And the uncertain interior disposition of him who is destitute of the senses also effects this: that not even then is the obligation of conferring the sacrament with danger to life strictly demonstrated. But the ordinary minister sins gravely who delays administration with probable danger that the sick person may die without anointing, unless a just cause excuses.

In a case of necessity, any priest must administer this sacrament from charity (c. 939), and therefore according to the laws of charity. The obligation is not thought mortal unless the sick person is in very great need, because he can receive no other sacrament. A proportionate inconvenience will excuse from the obligation. Nor in extreme necessity does there seem to be an obligation of incurring danger to life, for the reason given; but zeal will counsel more.

— I. The minister of valid administration, and also of licit administration in necessity or from the reasonably presumed license of the ordinary minister, is every and only a priest. The ordinary minister is the pastor, and, in every clerical religion, the Superior for religious, novices, and servants, pupils, guests, and the sick dwelling day and night in the house. A bishop is anointed by a canon of the cathedral church.

II. The ordinary minister is bound from justice; others, according to the laws of charity, to administer the sacrament. It is not strictly to be administered with danger of death.