Holy oils

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Vessels for the display of chrism, catechumens and sick oils in the Baptistery, St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
Vessels for the sacred oils

The holy oils are anointing oils that are consecrated and used in the Roman Catholic , Old Catholic and Eastern Church liturgies .

Types and uses

Three different oils are used in the liturgy of the Catholic Church in the celebration of certain sacraments and sacramentals :

  • Chrism (ostkirchlich: Myron ), also called fragrant Sanctum Chrisma and especially valuable is in the Confirmation , besides also in the baptism and the priesthood and in the Kirch , altar or bells consecration used. It is a mixture of balm and olive oil . The storage vessels are labeled "SC", "S. CHR. "Or just" CHR "or" S ".
  • Catechumen oil, also called oleum catechumenorum, for anointing a candidate for baptism (catechumen) during his catechumenate or a person to be baptized before baptism . The storage vessels are marked with "OC", "O. CAT. ”Or just“ CAT ”or“ C ”.
  • Sick oil, also called oleum infirmorum. The oil for anointing the sick to be weakened in the anointing of the sick used. The storage vessels are labeled "OI", "O. INF. "Or just" INF "or" I ".

As a rule, pure olive oil is used as the basic substance for catechumen oil and sick oil. According to the Ordo benedicendi oleum catechumenorum et infirmorum et conficiende chrisma in the Pontifical IV , other vegetable oils can also be used in certain cases. At least the chrism is mixed with scented oils (e.g. balsam or rose oil), sometimes also with the sick oil (e.g. stone pine oil) and catechumene oil (e.g. grapefruit).

As a rule, the oils are stored together in a can, a suitcase or the like in the sacristy . In some places they are visibly exhibited near the baptismal site. A part of the sick oil is kept in its own can or ampoule with the so-called Versehgarnitur together with a purple or white stole , standing cross, two candles, a pyxis ( host box, versehpatene) to receive the consecrated host for communion and aspergillus for everything To be able to take what is necessary for the dispensing of the sacraments of the sick (anointing of the sick, communion on death , sacrament of penance , possibly with indulgences in the hour of death) to the sick person.

history

Even in ancient times, oil was used as food, medicine and cosmetic. Along with bread, wine and water, it is one of the basic substances of the Christian liturgy . Anointings with oil are already attested in biblical times. Even today, anointings take place at the administration of some sacraments and sacramentals of the Church. The anointing, especially with chrism (myron), is intended to remind the believers that they belong to Christ , who was anointed to be king and prophet . Messiah or Christ means the anointed .

Consecration and Distribution

In the cathedral churches every year on are Maundy Thursday (or one preceding it, easter nearby day) in the Chrism Mass the holy oil consecrated . The oils are filled into large jugs for this. Where cloths are used for jewelry or for covering, they are kept in the classic colors white (chrism), green (catechumen oil) and purple (sick oil). After the consecration, the oils are distributed to the churches in the diocese .

The oil is usually transferred into smaller vessels for liturgical use. These oil containers vary in size and design depending on their use. Real silver , silver-plated brass or copper , but also tin are used. The oil containers often have a screw-thread cover to prevent the thin oils from running out. In some churches the holy oils are kept in a shrine near the baptismal font, but more often in the sacristy . Remnants of the holy oils of the past year can be burned on Easter vigil in the Easter fire or poured into the sacrarium .

literature

Web links

Commons : Holy oils  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Small liturgical dictionary: Sacrarium (German Liturgical Institute).