Salad needs it. Cars need it. Some furnaces still run on it. Even clothing is made of it. We need it too! Who doesn’t love rich olive oil with crusty Italian bread? Haven’t you slathered on the sunscreen on sunny summer days? Oil helps maintain engines and machinery to reduce friction. It is also a fundamental ingredient in thousands of products. Beyond transportation fuel, oil is necessary for plastics, synthetic fabrics (polyester), asphalt, fertilizers, lotions, cleaning products, cosmetics, and many medical supplies. Oil is essential.
You may know that 50 to 65 percent of the human body is water. While not exactly equal, it is interesting to note that up to 25 percent of the human body is oil. Oil, in the form of fat, is necessary for the body to function, as it provides essential fatty acids, aids nutrient absorption (vitamins A, D, E, K), protects organs and supports cell growth. Oil, like water, is necessary for life.
The “Catechism of the Catholic Church” reminds us that oil is not only beneficial for our bodies but is also a grace-giving salve for our souls. “Christ” is literally translated “Anointed.” So, to be call “Christian” is to share in the anointing of Jesus Christ whom God the Father anointed with the Holy Spirit. (CCC 1289) Further, “the symbolism of anointing with oil also signifies the Holy Spirit.” As we are anointed, the Holy Spirit conforms us more closely to Christ. Through the anointing, we are united firmly to Christ and his Church. And too, “Oil is a sign of abundance and joy, it cleanses and limbers; oil is a sign of healing…and it makes radiant with beauty.” (CCC 1239)
Of the seven Sacraments, four use oil as an essential means for communicating God’s grace. The Sacraments are God’s way of sharing grace with us. God greatly desires to share his very life with us. In Baptism, two distinct oils are used: the Oil of Catechumens and Sacred Chrism. At Confirmation, Sacred Chrism is applied to the candidate’s forehead. The Oil of the Sick offers comfort and reassurance to those who are infirmed, in need of healing, or preparing for death. Priests and bishops are anointed with Sacred Chrism on the day of their ordination.
The Oil of Catechumens
The Oil of Catechumens is olive oil blessed by a bishop during the annual Chrism Mass. It is used by the minister of Baptism, ordinarily priests or deacons, to anoint candidates, whether infants, youths, or adults, immediately before their baptism. It symbolizes strengthening, protection against evil, and preparation for the Christian life. It provides a kind of spiritual fortification to help resist temptation and the lure of sin.
Oil of the Sick
The Oil of the Sick is olive oil blessed by a bishop during the annual Chrism Mass and is used by priests during the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. It is applied to the forehead and hands of the sick and elderly to bring spiritual strength, peace, courage, forgiveness of sins, and potential physical healing.
Sacred Chrism
This is a mixture of olive oil and aromatic fragrances consecrated by a bishop at the Chrism Mass. Priest concelebrants also extend their right hands while the bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism. It signifies the “aroma of Christ,” strength, and the Holy Spirit, and is used for sealing in baptism, confirmation, and ordination. Sacred Chrism is also used for consecrating altars and churches.
Marked for Mission
Biblical references to anointing describe God’s choosing and sending those who would further the Divine Plan. Anointing established divine authority and leadership. Samuel anointed David (1 Samuel 16:13), after which the Spirit of the Lord “rushed upon” him, empowering him to lead God’s people. God commanded Moses to anoint Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:41) to set them apart as holy for temple service and mediation between God and the People of Israel. Anointing signified a divine appointment to speak on God’s behalf. Elijah was specifically told to anoint Elisha as his successor. (1 Kings 19:16)
Anointing with oil marks the person for mission. Those anointed have been set apart, consecrated, and empowered for a divine purpose. The “mark” acts as a spiritual seal, identifying the person as belonging to God and calling them to share in the mission of Jesus Christ. We are anointed to share in Christ’s three-fold mission as Prophet, Priest, and King.
A Special Invitation
Come witness God’s presence and power in the oil! On Monday, March 30, 2026, at 6 p.m., at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, we will celebrate the Chrism Mass. Let’s gather and pray together to remember that we are God’s anointed. As we call on God to bless the new oil that will be distributed and taken back to each parish in our diocese, let’s pray for those yet to be anointed that they may undertake the responsibilities of the Christian life with a generous heart.
God uses simple things that we touch each day to communicate profound mysteries. The next time you put oil in your car or fry chicken or use baby oil, remember the Holy and Sacred Oil that has given you Life in Christ. That Holy Oil is at work in you every day as you continue Christ’s mission in the world.
