Confirmation is a Christian sacrament that completes the three sacraments of initiation. These sacraments, which include baptism and the Holy Eucharist, are closely tied to one another and feature many of the same symbols and traditions.

 

Oil is a common component of many religious ceremonies and sacraments, including confirmation. Oils have been relied on in daily life and in religious applications for centuries. Oil has long been viewed as a substance that provides nourishment, serves as a healing agent and is used to beautify or preserve the body.

 

Oils also were - and still are - relied on for fuel. Oil also figures prominently in the Jewish celebration of Chanukah. Oil has been used to dedicate temples and as a means of consecration. Many holy oils are made from a base of olive oil and perfumed with ingredients that were commonly found in The Holy Land.

 

Holy Chrism is the oil used during baptism and confirmation ceremonies. Chrism is usually scented with balsam, which provides the oil with its pungent and easily recognizable aroma.

 

During Catholic confirmation ceremonies, a bishop will form a cross on the forehead of confirmands. This anointing symbolizes fullness of grace and spiritual strength by which the confirmand can resist the temptation of sin and follow in the virtue of his or her faith. The oil also helps to seal the confirmand with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

 

Holy oils are produced and blessed once a year. A solemn service takes place in many cathedral churches during Holy Week. A diocesan bishop will bless the oils, which are to be used throughout the year and in the administration of the sacraments. In addition to the Holy Chrism, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick are blessed.

 

According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, oils are provided to individual parishes before the celebration of the evening Mass of The Lord's Supper (Holy Thursday). Some parishes store oils in a locked niche in a sanctuary known as an ambry. However, it has become more common for churches to more visibly house and display the oils.

 

Those being confirmed in the Catholic faith can expect Holy Chrism to be part of their confirmation ceremonies. Oils have a long history of use in religious ceremonies and are an integral component of the sacraments.

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