Thank you to our priests of the Diocese
During his homily Bishop Michael Campbell thanked the priests of the diocese for all they do and acknowledged the challenges as well as the joys and privilege of priestly vocation, especially their privilege of administering the sacraments. A link to full copy of his homily. During the Mass he blessed the oils of the sick, catechumens and Chrism. These oils were then distributed at the end of Mass to be used throughout the coming year. And many went to have soup and a sandwich before travelling home to their parishes.
Oil of the Sick
The Oil of the Sick used for the sacrament of the sick, which is one of the two healing sacraments, which was blessed at the end of the Eucharistic prayer.
Amongst other things,
CCC 1532
The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church ...
Oil of Catechumens
The Bishop says the prayer of blessing over the Oil of Catechumens which is used in the sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says:
CCC 1294 Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort.
Oil of Chrism
There are a number of actions in the blessing of Chrism. First the balsam, a sweet smelling substance is added to the olive oil. Second, the Bishop blows over the oil, and third he and the priests present raise their right hand and call down the Holy Spirit.
CCC 1297 ... It is the bishop who, in the course of the Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, consecrates the sacred chrism for his whole diocese. ...
During his homily Bishop Michael Campbell thanked the priests of the diocese for all they do and acknowledged the challenges as well as the joys and privilege of priestly vocation, especially their privilege of administering the sacraments. A link to full copy of his homily. During the Mass he blessed the oils of the sick, catechumens and Chrism. These oils were then distributed at the end of Mass to be used throughout the coming year. And many went to have soup and a sandwich before travelling home to their parishes.
Oil of the Sick
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| Blessing the oil of the sick |
Amongst other things,
CCC 1532
The special grace of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick has as its effects: the uniting of the sick person to the passion of Christ, for his own good and that of the whole Church ...
 |
| Bishop Michael Campbell blessing the oil of catechumens |
The Bishop says the prayer of blessing over the Oil of Catechumens which is used in the sacrament of Baptism, the first of the three sacraments of initiation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) says:
CCC 1294 Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort.
Oil of Chrism
There are a number of actions in the blessing of Chrism. First the balsam, a sweet smelling substance is added to the olive oil. Second, the Bishop blows over the oil, and third he and the priests present raise their right hand and call down the Holy Spirit.
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| Breathing over the oil |
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| Adding balsam to the olive oil |
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| Calling down the Holy Spirit |
CCC 1294 ... The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off "the aroma of Christ.
To learn more about the oils blessed during the Mass of Chrism visit our Year of Faith website.