Joshua Bennett
The use of anointing oils is a common practice in the Catholic Church, with holy oils playing a significant role in nurturing and strengthening the spiritual lives of Catholics. The Bible mentions holy oils and the anointing of the sick, and Jesus himself is referred to as the Anointed One, highlighting the importance of anointing in Christian theology. The Catholic Church recognizes three types of holy oils, each with specific purposes: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Holy Chrism. These oils are blessed annually by the bishop during Holy Week and distributed for sacramental use. The Oil of Catechumens is used on those preparing for baptism, symbolizing strength and protection. The Oil of the Sick is used to bring spiritual and physical comfort to the ill or injured, entrusting their suffering to God. The Holy Chrism is used in sacraments such as baptism, confirmation, and holy orders, marking a permanent spiritual change and consecrating individuals to God's service. While priests typically administer these anointings, blessed oil can also be used by individuals for personal prayer and blessing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Holy Oils | 3 |
| Types of Holy Oils | Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, Holy Chrism |
| Oil of Catechumens | Used on those preparing for baptism, a sign of strength and protection |
| Oil of the Sick | Used for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, brings spiritual and physical comfort to those suffering from serious illness or injury |
| Holy Chrism | Used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders |
| Use of Holy Oils | Blessing, healing, or consecration |
| Who can use Holy Oils | Priest |
| Anointing with Chrism Oil | Signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit |
| Anointing on Head | Represents blessings and strength from God |
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What You'll Learn
- Anointing with oil is not a requirement of the Catholic faith
- The three holy oils used by the Catholic Church
- Oil of Catechumens: used on those preparing for baptism
- Oil of the Sick: brings spiritual and physical comfort to the ill
- Holy Chrism: used in sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders
Anointing with oil is not a requirement of the Catholic faith
The Church makes use of 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. The oil of the sick, which is pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which can be administered at any time and place by a priest. The priest lays hands on the sick person, says special prayers, and anoints the forehead and hands with oil in the form of a cross. The holy chrism oil is used during the ordination of a priest and the consecration of a bishop. It is also used during confirmation, when the bishop traces the Sign of the Cross with oil on the forehead of the one being confirmed.
In the early Jewish traditions, oil was used to anoint another's head as a welcome gesture. It was also used to anoint a body before burial and to consecrate places of worship. In the Catholic Church, the priest has the authority to bless others with holy oil, and it is highly unusual for anyone else to do so. However, in principle, it is possible for non-priests to anoint people with oil and ask God to bless or heal them, as long as it is acknowledged that this is not a sacramental anointing.
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The three holy oils used by the Catholic Church
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the holy chrism oil. Each of the oils has a distinct purpose and symbolic meaning.
Oil of Catechumens
The oil of catechumens is used to anoint those preparing for initiation into the Church, during the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). This rite often takes place during Mass, before holy Communion. The priest or deacon anoints the catechumens, praying that God will grant them wisdom and strength to resist evil during their spiritual journey and preparation for a life with Christ. Similarly, infants are anointed with this oil before baptism, to help them ward off evil, avoid temptation, and possess the faith necessary to carry the cross of Christ throughout their lives.
Oil of the Sick
The oil of the sick is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament is ideally celebrated during the Mass for the anointing of the sick, but it can be administered at any time and place. The priest lays hands on the sick person, says special prayers, and anoints them by placing oil in the form of a cross on their forehead and hands. Through this sacrament, God gives the sick person grace and strength to endure their illness. Many Catholics have testified to the spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing that this anointing can bring.
Holy Chrism Oil
Holy chrism oil is olive oil mixed with balsam, symbolizing strength, and the balsam represents the "aroma of Christ." This oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and is used to consecrate individuals to God's service. It is used during confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of bishops. It is also used in the consecration of churches, the blessing of altars, and the vessels used during Mass.
These holy oils are typically stored in special vessels called chrismaria, kept in a cabinet called an ambry. When distributed to priests for their ministry, they are placed in smaller containers with three compartments, known as an "oil stock." The blessing of these oils is a sacred ritual, signifying their importance in the Catholic Church.
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Oil of Catechumens: used on those preparing for baptism
The Oil of Catechumens, also known as the Oil of Salvation, is used in the Catholic Church during the sacrament of baptism. This oil is blessed by the bishop during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday and is used for those preparing for baptism, typically infants and small children.
The use of this oil is a symbolic act, representing the purification and strengthening of the catechumen (the person being baptised) as they prepare to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit and become a member of the Church. It is usually made from olive oil, which has significant religious symbolism in Christianity, as it represents peace, blessing, and God's presence.
During the baptism ceremony, the priest or deacon anoints the catechumen with this oil. The oil is placed on the chest of the catechumen, forming a cross. This ritual is accompanied by specific prayers and blessings. The priest or deacon then says: "We anoint you with the Oil of Salvation in the name of Christ our Saviour; may he strengthen you with his power, who lives and reigns for ever and ever."
This anointing with oil is a powerful symbol of God's love and mercy. It signifies the catechumen's preparation and readiness to receive the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of baptism. The Oil of Catechumens is seen as a means of spiritual protection and a sign of God's favour, marking the individual as one chosen by God and set apart for a sacred purpose.
In addition to its use in the actual baptism ceremony, the Oil of Catechumens can also be used in the period leading up to baptism, especially during the catechumenate, which is a time of preparation and instruction for those seeking baptism. During this time, the oil may be used in rituals and prayers to strengthen and protect those preparing for baptism, as well as to signify their growing commitment to following Christ.
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Oil of the Sick: brings spiritual and physical comfort to the ill
The Oil of the Sick, also known as oleum infirmorum, is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to bring spiritual and physical comfort to those suffering from serious illness or injury. This sacrament, formerly known as Extreme Unction or "last rites," is a means of healing, hope, and peace for the sick.
The Anointing of the Sick is typically administered by a bishop or priest, who uses olive oil or another pure plant oil blessed by a bishop to anoint the patient's forehead and perhaps other parts of the body while reciting specific prayers. The oil is usually applied in the form of a cross, and the sacrament can be celebrated with the community during Mass for the Anointing of the Sick, though it can be administered at any time and place.
Through this sacrament, God bestows grace and strength upon the ill person to endure their sickness or infirmity. It provides spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing, as well as forgiveness of sins if the person is unable to make a confession. The Church entrusts the individual's suffering to God, invoking the Holy Spirit's presence and support.
In cases of necessity, the priest administering the sacrament may bless the oil himself within the framework of the rite. Additionally, if olive oil is unavailable, another vegetable oil may be used and blessed by the priest in emergency cases.
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Holy Chrism: used in sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders
Holy Chrism, also known as Myron or Sacred Chrism, is one of the three holy oils used in the Catholic Church, the other two being the oil of the sick and the oil of the catechumens. It is made by mixing olive oil with balsam, and it is consecrated by a bishop. The fragrant balsam is said to represent the "aroma of Christ".
Holy Chrism is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. In the sacrament of Baptism, the priest traces the Sign of the Cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the baptised, marking them as Christians. In the Roman Rite, infants are baptised first, then confirmed with chrism, and then receive the Eucharist. Adults, on the other hand, are baptised, then confirmed with chrism, and then receive the Eucharist at a later time.
In the sacrament of Confirmation, the bishop traces the Sign of the Cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the person being confirmed and says, " [Name], be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." This rite can occur as early as age 7 for children who were baptised as infants but is commonly received around age 13. For adult converts, Confirmation usually takes place immediately after baptism.
In the sacrament of Holy Orders, which is the ordination of deacons, priests, or bishops, the bishop lays his hands on the head of the man being ordained and anoints him with chrism. This act confers the sacramental power to ordain, baptise, confirm, witness marriages, absolve sins, and consecrate the Eucharist (in the case of bishops and priests). Deacons have a more limited set of powers.
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Frequently asked questions
The Church uses three holy oils: the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the holy chrism oil.
The oil of the sick, or pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. The priest lays hands on the sick person, says special prayers, and anoints the person by placing oil in the form of a cross on their forehead and hands.
Holy chrism oil is used during the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. During a baptism, the bishop traces the Sign of the Cross with chrism oil on the forehead of the one being baptised. During Confirmation, the anointing with chrism oil seals the person with the Holy Spirit. In Holy Orders, the bishop anoints the hands of a priest or the head of a bishop.
