During a special rite, the archbishop will bless three different oils to be used in sacraments. He'll bless holy chrism, the oil of catechumens, and the oil of the sick.
Chrism, also called myrrh, myron, holy anointing oil, and consecrated oil, is a consecrated oil used in the Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Assyrian, Nordic Lutheran, Anglican, Old Catholic, and Latter Day Saint churches in the administration of certain sacraments and ecclesiastical functions.
Three holy oils are used in the Church's worship today: chrism, a blessed mixture of olive oil and balm; oil of catechumens, blessed olive oil; and oil of the sick, also blessed olive oil.
Here the bishop blesses three oils the Oil of Catechumens ("Oleum Catechumenorum" or "Oleum Sanctorum"), the Oil of the Infirm ("Oleum Infirmorum"), and Holy Chrism ("Sacrum Chrisma") which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year.
The Oil of the Sick
Oil of the Sick is pure olive oil - nothing being added except the blessing of the bishop. Its appropriateness as part of the outward sign of Anointing of the Sick is evident from the healing and strengthening effects which are characteristic of olive oil.
It was scented olive oil that was chosen to be a holy anointing oil for the Israelites.
First, the prayer of faith by which the community asks for God's help for the sick; second, the laying on of hands indicating the person is the recipient of the prayer of faith; and third, the anointing with oil on the forehead and hands signifying healing, strengthening and the presence of God.
*Spikenard – (Nardostachys jatamansi) Spikenard was regarded as one of the most precious aromatics in ancient times. Mentioned in the New Testament of the bible, Spikenard was the “ointment” used by Mary Magdalene to anoint the feet of Jesus. This biblical association adds to the mystical & sacred energy of Spikenard.
In Scripture, sandalwood is referred to as “aloes” and is called one of the oils of joy and gladness along with frankincense, myrrh and cedarwood. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea brought sandalwood (aloes) and myrrh to bury Jesus, and in today's market, the amount of oils used would be worth an estimated $200,000.
'Frankincense & Myrrh' Holy anointing prayer oil from Israel. When the wise men came from the east to Bethlehem, they brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn King of Jews. With this anointing oil, you can come into the presence of God with those same gifts.
The anointing oil can be made from olive oil, coconut oil, or other natural oil. The ingredients are essential because they were given to Moses directly by God. They symbolize God's healing power.
The 12 oils of ancient Scripture are: Cinnamon, Myrrh, Frankincense, Spikenard, Lavender, Sandalwood, Cassia, Cedarwood, Cassia Cinnamon, Bay, Galbanum, and Cassia Cinnamon.
The oil used in administering the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick is called Oil of the Sick. It is one of the three Holy oils blessed by the bishop of the diocese at his cathedral on Holy Thursday morning, the other two Holy Oils being Holy Chrism and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in Baptism.
Today Roman Catholics and many other Christian churches use a mixture of olive oil and perfume in the celebrations of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders. In the ancient Near East, olive oil was used for healing, sealing, and strengthening.
According to the Catholic Culture dictionary, an ambry is “a box in which the holy oils are kept in Catholic churches. It is either affixed to the wall or inserted in the wall of the sanctuary.”
Chrism Oil - used for Confirmations, Ordinations, blessing of churches and altars, and Baptisms. It symbolizes strength, the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and consecrates someone or something to God's service.
An alternative tradition holds that Mary and Joseph used the gold to pay for the stable, the frankincense to perfume it and the myrrh as an ointment for the new-born baby.
At the time of Jesus' birth, gold, frankincense and myrrh were traditional gifts given to royalty in the Middle East, says Fred Horton, John T. Albritton Professor of the Bible at Wake Forest.
The Three Wise Men Give Gold, Frankincense And Myrrh.
Regarded as 'the King of Oils', the history and healing powers of Frankincense Oil (Boswellia carterii) will amaze you. It's an aromatic tool that's been used for centuries which you definitely need in your wellness toolbox!
Pure Desi Cow's Ghee– Ghee has a crucial place in fueling the lamps. The combination of ghee and fire is said to produce very positive spiritual energy. The Vedic Shastras note that a lamp lit with pure Cow's Ghee attracts the aura of Kubera – the God of wealth and power.
“The Last Rites”
The proper celebration for those about to die is Viaticum, the last time that person receives the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a special Eucharistic service celebrated near the time of death. Viaticum may be administered by a priest, deacon or a trained layperson.
Father in heaven, through this holy anointing grant N. comfort in his/her suffering. When he/she is afraid, give him/her courage, when afflicted, give him/her patience, when dejected, afford him/her hope, and when alone, assure him/her of the support of your holy people. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
The Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, often referred to as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, is a ritual of healing appropriate not only for those in immediate danger of death but also for those suffering from physical, mental, or spiritual sickness.