Let’s say you’re visiting a church and you notice a tiny door in the wall of the sanctuary or the vestibule. You ask someone what it is and they reply, “Oh! That’s the ambry.”
“Sorry, come again?” you ask quizzically. “The ambry?”
“Yes, the place where the holy oils are kept.”
Ah, yes, the place where the holy oils are kept. You move away and are exiting the church when you suddenly think, “Wait, I forget what exactly the holy oils are.” By now, it’s too late to find your knowledgeable friend again, so you go home and consult your other knowledgeable friend—Get Fed!
You search “holy oils” and discover that these oils are blessed by the bishop at the Chrism Mass during Holy Week. There are three, each with a special sacramental use:
The Oil of the Sick is used during the Anointing of the Sick. The priest applies it to a sick person while invoking the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This oil is the vehicle through which Our Lord sends a person the graces and strength to bear illness. While it is in no way medicinal, it has been known to work spiritual, emotional, and even physical healing. It is made of pure olive oil.
The Oil of Catechumens is applied during the Baptism ceremony, right before the actual baptism with water. This oil is like a closed door between the soul and the devil, shutting out the latter in order that the soon-to-be-baptized soul may better prepare for life with and in Christ. It is also pure olive oil.
The Oil of Chrism is used in multiple sacraments. Most commonly, it is applied after Baptism and at Confirmation. It signifies the Holy Ghost and consecrates a person to God’s service. Priests at their ordination are also anointed with this oil. It is used at the consecration of bishops and churches, the blessing of new altars and holy vessels, and—now rare—at the coronation of royalty. It is made of olive oil and balsam, which gives it that distinct, incense-like aroma.
There is so much to learn about each sacrament—so why not start early? Give your children Light of the Sacraments, an interactive book that teaches children about each of the sacraments through Scripture, art, and rhyme. Kids will love the hidden images revealed with the aid of a flashlight! An excellent way to reveal the sacred mysteries to the children in your life—and, incidentally, why not refresh your own knowledge at the same time? Get this book today at The Catholic Company!
