- Feb 5, 2002
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A man had this question. He watched a priest baptize the man’s infant nephew. Why was the baby ceremonially touched with oil? Why oil, of all things?
Every Catholic has been anointed, oil placed on his or her body at baptism or at confirmation or, if seriously ill or injured, in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Priests and bishops are anointed when they receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
In days gone by, monarchs were anointed.
Why? It helps to know something about oil as it occurred and was seen in biblical times.
In those days, artificially produced oil was not to be found. The Mediterranean world had many olive trees. Oil could be obtained easily by pressing, or squeezing, olives.
This oil was seen as medicinal. It was applied to wounds. No one knew how it worked, but the wounds usually healed. In scientific reality, the oil created a covering over the wound that bacteria and contaminants could not penetrate.
Continued below.
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Every Catholic has been anointed, oil placed on his or her body at baptism or at confirmation or, if seriously ill or injured, in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Priests and bishops are anointed when they receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
In days gone by, monarchs were anointed.
Why? It helps to know something about oil as it occurred and was seen in biblical times.
In those days, artificially produced oil was not to be found. The Mediterranean world had many olive trees. Oil could be obtained easily by pressing, or squeezing, olives.
This oil was seen as medicinal. It was applied to wounds. No one knew how it worked, but the wounds usually healed. In scientific reality, the oil created a covering over the wound that bacteria and contaminants could not penetrate.
Continued below.
Why do so many sacraments involve anointing with oil?
The sacred oil used in baptism, confirmation and other sacraments protects us, strengthens us and sends us on God's mission.
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