Sick call sets have existed well before the 19th century. The act of the anointing of the sick brought immense comfort to the sick; as well as, their loved ones. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that this Sacrament is liturgical and a communal celebration of which friends and family will gather to for inspiration and comfort. The sick person receives the Holy Spirit’s gifts of Strength, faith, peace and courage. The sick person is united with the suffering of Christ.
The act of anointing the sick is described in James 5:14-16: “Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should pray over him and anoint [him] with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins he will be forgiven.”