Joshua Bennett
The Catholic Church uses three types of holy oils for anointing: the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Holy Chrism. Each type of oil has a unique role in nurturing and strengthening the spiritual lives of Catholics. While the Church forbids the use of oils by the laity in any sort of anointing, non-sacramental anointings are not ruled out, and it is possible for non-priests to anoint people with oil and ask God to bless or heal them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Holy Oils | 3 |
| Oil of Catechumens | Used on those preparing for baptism, including infants |
| Oil of the Sick | Used for the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, bringing spiritual and physical comfort to those suffering from serious illness or injury |
| Holy Chrism | Used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders |
| Oil Preparation | The bishop mixes oil from the balsam plant with olive oil and breathes on it to bless the oil |
| Oil Usage | The oil is placed in the form of a cross on the forehead and hands |
| Oil Symbolism | Strength, healing, comfort, and the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit |
| Oil in Scripture | Mentioned in Luke 10:34, Mark 6:13, Jeremiah 31:12, Psalm 23:5, and more |
| Oil and Non-Priests | Non-priests can anoint people with oil and ask God to bless or heal them, but this is not a sacramental anointing |
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What You'll Learn
Oil of Catechumens
The Oil of Catechumens is one of the three holy oils used by the Catholic Church, the other two being the Oil of the Sick and the Holy Chrism Oil. The Oil of Catechumens is used in the pre-baptismal anointing of both adults and infants. This rite often takes place during Mass, before Holy Communion. The priest or deacon anoints the catechumens, making the sign of the cross on the brow, breast, between the shoulders, on the ears, hands, and feet. The Oil of Catechumens is also known as the Oil of Exorcism, as it is believed to strengthen the one being baptised to turn away from evil, temptation, and sin.
The Oil of Catechumens is made from pure olive oil. It is blessed by a bishop or a priest during the Chrism Mass, which takes place on Holy Thursday. The bishop or priest breathes on the oil three times and blesses it thrice, saying a prayer of blessing. The prayer 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 labours of the Christian life, and may rejoice to be born anew and to live in your Church".
The use of oil in anointing has its roots in the Old Testament. Every blessing given through oil in the Old Testament was believed to be poured out in fullness upon the Messiah, and through him upon all God's people. Jesus, as the Messiah, received a powerful anointing of the Spirit at his baptism.
The Oil of Catechumens should not be confused with chrismation, which is a separate sacrament, although it is usually performed immediately after baptism.
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Oil of the Sick
The Oil of the Sick is one of the three holy oils used by the Catholic Church, the other two being the Oil of Catechumens and the Holy Chrism Oil. The Oil of the Sick is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil. It is used to anoint the sick or elderly, bringing them grace and strength to bear their illness or infirmity. The priest lays hands on the person, says special prayers, and anoints them by placing oil in the form of a cross on their forehead and hands. This sacrament can be administered at any time and in any place, but it is ideally celebrated with the community during the Mass for the anointing of the sick.
The Oil of the Sick is mentioned in the letter of James (5:14). It is a remedy for the infirmity of the body and soul, helping those who are ill to bravely endure and fight against evils and obtain pardon for their sins. The bishop blesses the oil with the prayer that "everyone anointed with this oil as a safeguard for body, soul, and spirit may be freed from all pain, all infirmity, and all sickness".
The Anointing of the Sick is strictly reserved for ordained Catholic priests. The use of oils by the laity in any sort of anointing is forbidden by the Church.
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Holy Chrism
The holy chrism is used in the sacraments of confirmation, baptism, and holy orders. In 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." In baptism, the cross with chrism oil is traced on the crown of the child's head, marking them as a Christian. If an adult is baptised and not immediately confirmed, they are also anointed with chrism on the head. Newly ordained priests are anointed with chrism on the palms of their hands, and newly ordained bishops on their foreheads.
The holy chrism is also used in the consecration of churches, altars, and bishops. Each year, the local bishop blesses enough new oils for every parish during the Chrism Mass, which is celebrated on Holy Thursday morning or an earlier day near Easter. The holy oils are then transported to individual parishes, where they are available for use throughout the year.
The use of holy chrism oil has a long history in Christianity. Early Christian documents, including those by Theophilus, Tertullian, and Cyril of Jerusalem, discuss the practice of chrism. Cyril states that being "anointed with the Holy anointing oil of God" was the sign of a Christian and that the "ointment is the seal of the covenants" of baptism and God's promises.
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Olive oil
The Holy Chrism is used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. This oil is unique because it is not only blessed but also consecrated by the bishop. The ritual for creating and consecrating the Holy Chrism is different from that of the other two oils. The bishop mixes olive oil with oil from the balsam plant, breathes on the mixed oil to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit, and says a prayer to consecrate it. This blessing transforms the oil into a holy gift from God, signifying cleansing, strengthening, healing, and comfort.
The Holy Chrism is used during the ordination of a priest and the consecration of a bishop. It is also used during the baptism of infants and adults who do not immediately receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. The bishop also uses it to anoint the altar and the walls of the church.
The Oil of Catechumens, which is pure olive oil, is used to anoint those preparing for baptism, both adults and infants. This anointing is a sign of strength and protection as they prepare to enter the Church. The priest or deacon anoints the catechumens and prays for God to instill them with wisdom and strength to avoid evil during their preparation for a life with Christ.
The Oil of the Sick, also made of pure olive oil, is used for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It can be administered at any time and place by a priest, who lays hands on the sick person and anoints them with oil in the form of a cross on their forehead and hands. This sacrament brings spiritual, emotional, and physical healing, giving the sick person grace and strength to bear their illness.
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Balsam
The Catholic Church uses three holy oils for anointing: the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and holy chrism oil.
Holy chrism oil, also known as myrrh, myron, holy anointing oil, or consecrated oil, is used in the Catholic Church and several other Christian denominations during the administration of sacraments and ecclesiastical functions. It is made by mixing olive oil with balsam, which is an aromatic resin obtained from the balsam tree. The resulting chrism oil is a fragrant blend that represents the "aroma of Christ" (2 Cor 2:15).
The process of creating holy chrism oil involves mixing olive oil with the oil extracted from the balsam plant. The bishop then breathes on the mixture to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit and says a prayer to consecrate it. This ritual transforms the ordinary ointment into a sacred, blessed gift from God, imbued with spiritual significance.
Holy chrism oil is used during the ordination of priests and the consecration of bishops, churches, and altars. It is also used during the blessing of vessels used at Mass. The oil is applied to the forehead and other organs of sense, such as the ears, nostrils, and breast, as a physical representation of receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit.
In addition to its spiritual significance, balsam has practical uses within the Catholic Church. Its aromatic fragrance helps to create a pleasant and soothing atmosphere during religious ceremonies and can enhance the overall experience of worship for those in attendance.
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Frequently asked questions
The three holy oils used by Catholics are the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Holy Chrism.
The Oil of Catechumens is used on those preparing for baptism. It is a sign of strength and protection as they prepare to enter the Church.
The Holy Chrism is used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. It is unique because it is not only blessed but also consecrated by the bishop.
