WASHINGTON (CNS) — The preparation, blessing and distribution of oils are central to the Catholic Church’s sacraments and rites — and are among some of the church’s most ancient traditions and rituals witnessed during Holy Week.
The oils include the oil of the sick, used in the anointing of the sick; the oil of catechumens, which is for those preparing to be baptized, and the chrism oil, which is consecrated and used for baptism, confirmation and holy orders.
Ahead of this annual blessing ritual — which takes place at a special liturgy called the chrism Mass usually celebrated on Holy Thursday — comes the publication of a new book titled “The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism” by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The book has an updated English translation that the Vatican approved in 2017. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, which is March 6 this year, this text becomes the required English translation for use in the United States. It will be necessary for dioceses’ celebration of the chrism Mass.
This ritual book includes optional chant forms of the blessing prayers. “It will also be useful for diocesan liturgy offices, for seminaries and theological libraries, and for those who are interested in this important moment in the liturgical life of the Catholic Church,” the USCCB said.