95. Can Indulgences also be gained for the benefit of the souls in Purgatory?
Yes, all those which the Pope has expressly declared to be applicable to them.
Application. Value and esteem Indulgences, and avail yourself of every opportunity of gaining them worthily for yourself, as well as for the souls of the faithful departed.
Extreme Unction.
1. What is Extreme Unction?
Extreme Unction is a Sacrament in which the sick, by the anointing with holy oil, and by the prayer of the Priest, receive the grace of God for the good of their souls, and often also of their bodies.
This Sacrament is called Extreme Unction, because it is usually the last of the holy unctions which are administered by the Church.
2. Whence do we know that the Sacrament of Extreme Unction was instituted by Christ?
We know this, 1. From the Holy Scripture; and 2. From the constant doctrine of the Church.
3. What does Holy Scripture say of the Sacrament of Extreme Unction?
The Apostle St. James says in his Epistle (v. 14, 15): ' Is any man sick among you, let him bring in the Priests 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 man, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him.'
4. Why do we infer from these words that Christ has instituted Extreme Unction?
Because the anointing with oil could have no Sacramental power of forgiving sins, if Christ had not so ordained it.
