Tura, March 26: The holy ritual of blessing the sacramental oils also known as Chrism Mass, led by Bishop of Tura Andrew R Marak and Auxiliary Bishop of Tura C J jose, was on Tuesday evening concelebrated with Priests from various regions of the diocese at the Cathedral Church in a special service.
During the Mass, the bishop consecrated the sacred Chrism and blessed the other oils, which is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop’s Priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond of the Priests with the Lord.
Three oils blessed during the Chrism Mass:
the oil of catechumens (also known as the oil of exorcism, which is used in Baptism)
the oil of the infirm (used in the Anointing of the Sick) the oil of holy chrism (used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders).
The oil of holy chrism is particularly important since it is used in the sacraments that anoint with the Holy Spirit. It is a mixture of olive oil and basalm, an aromatic resin reminding us that as Christians we are called to give off the ‘fragrance’ of Jesus Christ, ‘the smell of life leading to life’ (2 Corinthian 2:14, 16).
Why oils?
Oils were a staple of ancient Jewish ritual. While they were used for ordinary things like cooking and lighting fires, they were also used to anoint people, to consecrate someone or something for a sacred purpose. Often, this would be either a priest, a prophet or a king.
Anointing with oils was also a sign of God’s blessing, of his strength and favour: ‘Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above other kings’ (Psalm 45:8). This practice carried over into the worship of the early Christians; they saw and knew the significance not only of the oils but of who Jesus was. In the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth is depicted as the ultimate priest, prophet and king, the one who comes to give his people abundant life. The word messiah means ‘anointed one’.
