More About Those Holy Oils

Holy Oils

In response to a question about the different Oils blessed at yesterday’s “Chrism Mass” …  

Oil is a substance that is extracted from olives and other plants.  Scripture tells us that oil has been used over the centuries to anoint kings (1 Sam 10:1; 2 Kings 9:3) and priests (Lev 8:30), and was an important ingredient in certain sacrifices (Lev 2:4). We also know that in Greece, Olympians – the best of the best – were anointed.  Oil serves to honor the person or object being anointed, and to sweeten and strengthen them/it.  If you were baptized or confirmed, you joined the ranks of those kings and Olympians.  You were anointed as God’s beloved son or daughter!

The Catholic tradition uses the following three distinct oils in various ways:  

1.  Chrism is used in administering the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used to bless tower bells and baptismal water, and to consecrate (“make holy”) churches, altars, chalices, and patens (the plate that holds Eucharistic bread). Chrism is a mixture of oil and balsam (a sweet, majestic fragrance). The balsam reminds us of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

2.  The Oil of Catechumens is used for anointing at the Easter Vigil (Saturday night), when a catechumen (someone being baptized into the Catholic Church) is initiated. The purpose of this oil, in the words of the prayer used, is “…to give wisdom and strength.”

3.  The Oil of the Sick is used when anointing the sick. It’s purpose is stated in the words of the prayer used: “Make this oil a remedy for all who are anointed with it; heal them in body, in soul, and in spirit, and deliver them from every affliction.”

These three Holy Oils are usually on display in our parish churches in a place of honor. They may be in glass cruets, etched with the following initials:  SC – Sanctum Chrisma (Sacred Chrism), OC – Oleum Catechumenorum (Oil of Catechumens, formerly labeled OS), and OI – Oleum Infirmorum (Oil of the Sick/Infirm). 

 

If you can make it to the Easter Vigil celebration, watch closely as those receiving the sacraments are anointed.

Kate DeVries