Joshua Bennett
Holy oil is a sacred element in Catholic tradition, used in various sacraments to bless, heal, ordain, baptize, and confirm. The Church employs three holy oils, each with a distinct purpose: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Holy Chrism. These oils are blessed annually by the bishop during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, then distributed to parishes for use throughout the year. 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 seriously ill or injured. The Holy Chrism is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, symbolizing strength and the aroma of Christ. These oils serve to nurture and strengthen the spiritual lives of Catholics, reminding them of God's presence and grace.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of holy oils | 3 |
| Types of holy oils | Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, Holy Chrism Oil |
| Oil of the Sick | Used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick |
| Oil of Catechumens | Used for anointing those preparing for baptism |
| Holy Chrism Oil | Used for the Sacrament of Confirmation, to consecrate someone or something to God's service |
| Used for | Blessing, healing, ordaining, baptizing, confirming |
| Symbolizes | Cleansing, strengthening, healing, comfort, life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit |
| Used by | Priests, bishops, lay people |
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What You'll Learn
The three holy oils: Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Holy Chrism
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils, each with a distinct purpose: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Holy Chrism.
Oil of Catechumens
The Oil of Catechumens, also known as the Oil of Exorcism, is used in some traditional Christian churches during baptism. It is believed to strengthen the one being baptised and prepare them for their Christian life. The oil is also used in the ordination of priests and the coronation of kings and queens. The bishop blesses this oil during the Chrism Mass, praying that those anointed with it will "rejoice to be born anew and to live in your [God's] Church".
Oil of the Sick
The Oil of the Sick, which is pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament can be administered at any time and place by a priest, who 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 bear their illness.
Holy Chrism
Holy Chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, symbolising strength and the "aroma of Christ". It is used to consecrate someone or something to God's service. This includes the ordination of priests and bishops, the consecration of churches and altars, and the blessing of vessels used at Mass. It is also used during the Sacrament of Confirmation, when young people are confirmed in their faith.
Each year, during the Chrism Mass, the bishop blesses these holy oils, which are then distributed to parishes for use throughout the year.
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How to bless and use oil to heal the sick
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. 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. This sacrament can be administered anytime and anywhere. The priest lays hands on the sick or elderly person 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 bear their illness or infirmity.
The Oil of Catechumens is the second oil to be blessed by the Bishop. It is used to prepare catechumens for baptism. The prayer of blessing asks for three effects on "the catechumens who will be anointed with it": that they "may understand more deeply the Gospel of your Christ, may undertake with a generous heart the labors of the Christian life, and may rejoice to be born anew and to live in your Church".
Holy chrism oil is olive oil mixed with balsam. It is used during the ordination of a priest (the Sacrament of Holy Orders) and the consecration of a bishop. It is also used to consecrate someone or something to God's service.
The blessing of the oils takes place during the Chrism Mass. In a formal procession, olive oil is brought forward in special urns; the oil of the sick is presented first, followed by the oil of the catechumens, and finally the oil for the holy chrism. The bishop then blesses each oil individually.
Once blessed, the oils are no longer ordinary ointments but a holy gift from God, signifying cleansing, strengthening, healing, and comfort. The purpose of these oils is primarily for healing and protection from harm. They can be used in praying for oneself or others. The simplest way of anointing is to make the sign of the cross on the forehead while saying the accompanying prayers.
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Using oil to prepare catechumens for baptism
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the holy chrism oil. The first two oils are blessed, while the bishop consecrates the third. Each type of oil has a distinct purpose.
The oil of catechumens, also known as the oil of exorcism, is used in some traditional Christian churches during baptism. It is believed to strengthen the one being baptised and prepare them for the Christian life. The oil is also used in the ordination of priests and the coronation of kings and queens. The Egyptian Church Order teaches that the oil is blessed during the Easter Vigil, the first liturgy of Eastertide. The catechumen, or the person prepared for baptism, is anointed as a symbol of being the heir of the Kingdom of God. The priest pours a portion of the oil into the baptismal font, making the sign of the cross with the oil three times. They then gather some of the oil floating on the water and anoint the catechumen, making the sign of the cross on their brow, breast, between the shoulders, on the ears, hands, and feet. The catechumen is then immediately baptised.
The oil of exorcism was mentioned in ancient Christian apostolic tradition as being "used before baptisms to put to flight any contagions that might obstruct the impending baptismal graces". It is intended to help strengthen the person about to be baptised and prepare them for the struggle of the Christian life. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the oil of catechumens is blessed by the priest during the baptismal rite.
The blessing of the oil of catechumens takes place during the Chrism Mass, which is celebrated on Holy Thursday morning or an earlier day near Easter. The bishop blesses the oil which is to serve at the anointing of catechumens before baptism.
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The history of using oil in the Catholic Church
Oil is one of the many rich symbols in the Christian tradition. The use of oil among ancient peoples is referenced in a variety of scriptural passages, including for preparing food (Numbers 11:7-9), as lamp fuel (Matthew 25:1-9), for medicinal purposes (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34), and for physical embellishment (Ruth 3:3).
The early Church adopted the use of olive oil for its sacramental rituals. The Church uses three types of holy oils, each with a distinctive purpose: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Infirm, and Holy Chrism. The first two oils are blessed, and the bishop consecrates the third during the annual Chrism Mass. The Oil of Catechumens, also known as the Oil of Exorcism, is used in connection with the Sacrament of Baptism. It is used to anoint those seeking baptism, who were often possessed or afflicted by demons. The Oil of the Infirm, or the Oil of the Sick, is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick (formerly known as Extreme Unction). The Holy Chrism is used in the ordination of priests, the consecration of bishops, the dedication ceremony of a church, and the blessing of an altar. It is also used in the post-baptismal anointing of infants, in Confirmation, and for Holy Orders.
The blessing of the Holy Chrism is different from that of the other oils. The bishop breathes over the vessel of chrism, symbolizing the Holy Spirit coming down to consecrate the oil and its life-giving nature. The Chrism Mass is celebrated on Holy Thursday morning, and the oils are blessed just before Easter. The holy oils are then distributed to the parishes and institutions of the diocese, where they are kept in a repository called an ambry.
The use of sacred chrism is ancient and likely apostolic in origin. Canon 7 of the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople, held in 381, mentions the importance of sacred chrism. Saint Thomas Aquinas taught that sacred chrism was instituted by Christ Himself.
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The significance of oil in Catholic sacraments
Oil has been used for a variety of purposes in the Catholic Church, from cooking and lighting lamps to anointing the sick and consecrating priests. The use of oil in Catholic sacraments is deeply symbolic and steeped in historical and scriptural richness.
The Church uses three types of holy oils, each with a distinctive purpose: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and Holy Chrism Oil. These oils are blessed by the bishop during the annual Chrism Mass, which takes place on Holy Thursday. The Oil of Catechumens is used in the ordination of priests and the coronation of royalty. It is also used to anoint those preparing for baptism, helping them to ward off evil and possess the faith necessary to follow Christ. The Oil of the Sick, which is pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Through this sacrament, God gives strength and grace to the ill or infirm, and many Catholics believe in its power to bring spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.
Holy Chrism Oil, a mixture of olive oil and balsam, is used during the ordination of priests and the consecration of bishops, churches, and altars. It signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and is used to consecrate someone or something to God's service. This oil is also used during the Sacrament of Confirmation, where the bishop anoints the forehead of the candidate, sealing them with the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The use of oil in Catholic sacraments is significant as it symbolises cleansing, strengthening, and healing. It is a sacred act that connects individuals to God and the Holy Spirit, providing grace, strength, and healing. The blessing and anointing rituals are deeply rooted in tradition, with references in the Bible and early Church practices.
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Frequently asked questions
Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Holy Chrism Oil.
The Oil of Catechumens is primarily used on those preparing for baptism. Catechumens receive an anointing with this oil as a sign of strength and protection as they prepare to enter the Church.
The Oil of the Sick is used in the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, bringing spiritual and physical comfort to those suffering from serious illness or injury.
Holy Chrism Oil is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. It is also used during the ordination of a priest and the consecration of a bishop.
The holy oils are blessed annually by the bishop during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday and then distributed to individual parishes for use throughout the year.
