Dear Friends,
This week I thought a little liturgical education might be in order. A few weeks ago, I put out the Holy Oils in the church. If you look to the right of the Baptism Font, you'll see a shelf that holds three jars, each containing what is called in Latin, “Olea Sacra” or Holy Oils. What follows is a very brief description of some of the most beautiful “sacramentals” we have for the celebration of the sacraments. Remember, we are a Church which uses all of our senses to pray. We say "smells and bells" for a reason!
Peace,The oil of the sick, which is pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. While ideally celebrated with the community during the Mass for the anointing of the sick, this sacrament can be administered any time and in any place. The priest lays hands on the sick or elderly person, says special prayers, and anoints the person by placing oil in the form of a cross on the forehead and hands.
Oil of the Catechumens (Olea Catechumen)Both adults and infants prior to baptism are anointed with the oil of the catechumens, which is also pure olive oil. For adults, this pre-baptismal anointing often takes place during a special initiation ceremony when the person begins to prepare for the Sacrament of Baptism. At the beginning of the process known as the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), each person preparing for initiation is anointed with the oil of the catechumens.
In a similar way, an infant is anointed just before receiving the waters of baptism. This anointing is to help the child ward off evil, avoid temptation and possess the faith necessary to carry the cross of Christ throughout life.
Holy Chrism Oil (Sacrum Chrisma)
The third oil, holy chrism oil, is olive oil mixed with balsam. The oil symbolizes strength, and the fragrant balsam represents the “aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15). Anointing with chrism oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is used to consecrate someone or something to God’s service.
Each year we witness the use of the holy chrism when young people are confirmed, and at the Easter Vigil when adults are confirmed after baptism. The bishop traces the Sign of the Cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the one being confirmed and says, “[Name], be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Chrism oil is also part of the baptismal rite. Following an infant’s baptism with water and before he receives the white garment, the cross with chrism oil is traced on the crown of the child’s head, marking him as a Christian. Anointing on the head is also administered at the baptism of an adult if the person does not immediately receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Holy chrism oil is used as well during the ordination of a priest (the Sacrament of Holy Orders) and the consecration of a bishop. It is the anointing used in the consecration of a church and the blessing of an altar and the vessels used at Mass.