Given this heritage, the early Church adopted the use of olive oil for its sacramental rituals. The Oil of Catechumens is used in connection with the sacrament of baptism. St. Hippolytus in his Apostolic Tradition (A.D. 215) wrote of an "oil of exorcism" used to anoint the candidates immediately before baptism. read more
Therefore, the symbolism of oil is rich sanctification, healing, strengthening, beautification, dedication, consecration and sacrifice. Given this heritage, the early Church adopted the use of olive oil for its sacramental rituals. The Oil of Catechumens is used in connection with the sacrament of baptism. St. read more
In the Rite of Christian Initiation (Catholic Baptism), two oils are used. The first is used before the actual sprinkling and the second is used afterward. The first oil is the Oil of Catechumens. Oil of Catechumens is placed on the child’s breastbone or, in adults, on the forehead. read more
The oil used for this rite is to be the oil blessed by the bishop at the chrism Mass, but for pastoral reasons a priest celebrant may bless oil for the rite immediately before the anointing. PRAYER Let us pray. read more