The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick was previously and most commonly administered to the dying, for the remission of sins and the provision of spiritual strength and health.  In modern times, however, its use has been expanded to all who are gravely ill or are about to undergo a serious operation, and the Church stresses a secondary effect of the sacrament:  to help a person recover his health.  The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick can be repeated as often as is necessary.