Ethan Walker
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. The holy chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, which is an aromatic, resinous substance extracted from the wood of certain trees or plants. The earliest mention of balsam as an ingredient in the composition of chrism is found in the Gregorian Sacramentary, a 6th-century text. The use of chrism is essential in the Catholic sacrament of confirmation or chrismation and is also used in the sacraments of baptism and holy orders. The oil is believed to signify the fulness of grace and spiritual strength that enables Christians to resist sin and produce the flowers of virtue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of holy oils | 3 |
| Types of holy oils | Oil of the sick, oil of the catechumens, holy chrism oil |
| Oil of the sick | Pure olive oil |
| Oil of the catechumens | Olive oil |
| Holy chrism oil | Olive oil mixed with balsam |
| Chrism Mass | Celebrated on Holy Thursday morning or before Easter |
| Who blesses the holy oils | Bishop |
| Who blesses the oil of the sick and oil of the catechumens | Any priest in case of emergency |
| Who consecrates the holy chrism | Bishop |
| Who prepares the holy chrism | Patriarch |
| When is the holy chrism prepared | During Holy Week |
| Where is the holy chrism stored | Chapel of Saint Andrew |
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What You'll Learn
Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. Each has a distinct purpose. The oil of the sick, which is pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The oil of catechumens is used to prepare catechumens for baptism. Finally, the holy chrism oil, a mixture of olive oil and balsam, is used for various sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
The use of olive oil in religious ceremonies dates back to the Old Testament, and it continues to be used in the New Testament. Olive oil is also mentioned in the New Testament in reference to Jesus' disciples anointing the sick with oil while healing. Additionally, Matthew and Mark refer to a woman in Bethany who poured oil on Jesus' head shortly before his crucifixion.
The first mention of balsam as an ingredient in the composition of chrism appears to be in the "Gregorian Sacramentary," a 6th-century work. While the addition of balsam is now required for lawful chrism, theologians disagree on whether it is necessary for the validity of the sacrament. The modern view suggests that it is not required, but due to the uncertainty, olive oil alone would be insufficient, and another ingredient, such as balsam, is preferred.
The preparation of chrism involves mixing olive oil with balsam and other fragrant or aromatic materials. The bishop then breathes on the mixture to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit and says a prayer to consecrate it. This ritual is different from the blessings of the other holy oils. The consecrated chrism is then distributed to parishes, where it is used for various sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
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It is used in sacraments of confirmation, baptism and holy orders
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. The first two are blessed, and the bishop consecrates the third during the annual Chrism Mass. The holy chrism is used in the sacraments of confirmation, baptism, and holy orders.
Confirmation
The confirmation sacrament involves the bishop tracing the Sign of the Cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the one being confirmed. The bishop then says, " [Name], be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." For the sacrament to be valid, the chrism must consist of pure olive oil, be blessed by a bishop or a priest delegated by the Holy See, and ideally have an admixture of balsam.
Baptism
The holy chrism is also used in the baptismal rite. Following an infant's baptism with water and before receiving the white garment, the cross with chrism oil is traced on the crown of the child's head, marking them as a Christian. For adults, the anointing with chrism oil takes place during a special initiation ceremony before receiving the Sacrament of Baptism.
Holy Orders
During the ordination of a priest (the Sacrament of Holy Orders), the priest's hands are anointed with holy chrism. The consecration of a bishop also involves the anointing of the bishop's head and hands with holy chrism.
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The bishop consecrates the oil during the Chrism Mass
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. The first two are blessed, and the third is consecrated by the bishop during the annual Chrism Mass.
The Chrism Mass is celebrated by the bishop with priests from various regions of the diocese. During the Mass, the bishop consecrates the holy chrism and blesses the other two oils. The rite of blessing the oils begins after the Universal Prayer (Prayer of the Faithful). The oils are brought forward in a formal procession in the following order: the vessel of fragrances, the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the oil for the Chrism. The procession is accompanied by the hymn "O Redemptor" (O Redeemer) or another appropriate hymn.
After the procession, the bishop blesses each oil individually. The Oil of the Sick is blessed before the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, while the Oil of Catechumens and the Chrism Oil are blessed after Communion. The ritual for creating and consecrating the holy chrism is different from the others. To make it, the bishop mixes oil from the balsam plant with olive oil, breathes on the mixed oil to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit, and then says a prayer to consecrate it.
The holy oils are then distributed to every parish in the archdiocese, where they are used throughout the year in various sacraments, such as baptism, confirmation, and anointing the sick.
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The oil is used to anoint the forehead
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils, each with a distinct purpose: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. The first two are blessed by a priest, while the third is consecrated by a bishop. The holy chrism oil, or simply chrism, is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, an aromatic, resinous substance extracted from the wood of certain trees or plants.
The use of chrism is rooted in early Christianity. Early Christian documents, including works by Theophilus (d. 181) and Tertullian (d. 220), discuss the "ordinance" and "several ceremonies" of chrism. The most detailed version of the practice is by Cyril of Jerusalem, who explains how ointment or oil was "symbolically applied to the forehead, and the other organs of sense". He states that the "ointment is the seal of the covenants" of baptism and God's promises to the Christian who is anointed.
The holy chrism oil is also used during the ordination of a priest (the Sacrament of Holy Orders). Newly ordained priests are anointed with chrism on the palms of their hands, and newly ordained bishops receive an anointing of chrism on their foreheads.
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It is also used in the consecration of objects
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. The first two oils are blessed, and the third is consecrated by a bishop, usually during the annual Chrism Mass.
The holy chrism oil is used in the consecration of objects. It is used in the consecration of churches, altars, and the vessels used at Mass. The chrism is also used in the consecration of chalices and patens. The sign of the cross is made with the chrism on the interior parts of the chalice and paten where the Eucharist rests. The chalice and paten are consecrated with the chrism again if they are re-gilded.
The holy chrism oil is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, a fragrant, resinous substance extracted from the wood of certain trees or plants, especially those belonging to the terebinthine group or family. The preparation of the chrism involves several steps, some of which—such as the addition of musk and rose oil—are performed by the patriarch. Once the chrism is filtered and ready, it is consecrated for the final time and stored in silver vessels in the Chapel of Saint Andrew, pending distribution.
In the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church (Jacobite Fraction), it is believed that Christ taught the holy apostles how to consecrate the myron or chrism. The consecration of the chrism is performed by the primate or Catholicos of the East, appointed by the Patriarch. The primate wears white vestments, representing the purity of his person and the light of his soul. Twelve priests, representing the twelve apostles, are present with the primate, along with twelve censers, twelve lamps, and twelve deacons.
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Frequently asked questions
The Catholic oil of chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, blessed by a bishop and used in the administration of sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
The use of chrism is discussed in several early Christian documents, including works by Theophilus (d. 181) and Tertullian (d. 220). The practice is detailed by Cyril of Jerusalem, who explains that the ointment is the seal of the covenants of baptism and God's promises to the Christian who is anointed. The first mention of balsam as an ingredient in chrism is found in the "Gregorian Sacramentary", a 6th-century work.
The oil of chrism is used in the sacraments of confirmation, baptism, and holy orders. It is also used in the consecration of objects such as churches and altars. The anointing with chrism represents the fulness of grace and spiritual strength, signifying that Christians have died, been buried, and risen with Christ, sharing in his kingly and prophetic priesthood.
The oil of chrism is made by mixing olive oil with balsam and other aromatic essences. The bishop breathes on the mixture to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit and then says a prayer to consecrate it. This ritual takes place during the Chrism Mass, which is celebrated on Holy Thursday morning or another day near Easter.
