More about Holy Oils |
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In Old Testament times oil was very precious and was used for lamps, in cooking and in medicine. It was a sign of God's love and blessing. Oil was also placed on the heads of prophets, priests and kings to show that they were set apart by God to do his work. |
| In the Bible, St. James (The Bible, James chapter 5 verse 14) tells us to annoint the sick with oil. This is still done in churches today, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox churches, and can happen anywhere - in hospital, at home or in church. The oil is called 'the oil of the sick' - it is kept in the vial marked with an 'I'. |  |
Holy Oils - the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Baptism and the Oil of Chrism |
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The Oil of Baptism, or Catechumens, is given just before a person is baptised. It is to help them learn the ways of the Lord, and is in the vial marked 'B'. The Oil of Chrism is used at Confirmation, and at the ordination of Bishops and Priests. It is a sign of the gift of the Holy Spirit, and is in the vial marked 'C'. |
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Next |
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Go back to 'I Go To A Catholic Church' |
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Go back to 'Infant Baptism' |
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Go back to 'Confirmation' |