As we continue praying for our catechumens and candidates during this Lenten season, and all seasons, many people might now know who a catechumen is or what the Oil of Catechumens is all about, so here is a little explanation.
The oil of catechumens is an ointment for those preparing for the sacrament of baptism. It wards off what is evil. It brings wisdom and strength. I've heard someone refer to it as a “Catholic bug spray”, a “religious suntan lotion”, or a “spiritual steroid”.
Every year the bishop blesses the oil of catechumens during the Mass of Chrism. This mass takes place during Holy Week because of an ancient tradition in our church. As far back as the 3rd century bishops, used blessed oil to anoint those who had prepared for baptism. Eventually he blessed the oil a few days in advance so that representatives from each parish could transport it from the cathedral to their home parish. Customarily, the bishop blessed all the oils needed for the liturgy on Holy Thursday morning, the last possible occasion to celebrate mass before the easter triduum began.
Since Vatican II, a Bishop may celebrate the Mass of Chrism earlier to avoid overcrowding Holy Thursday. In our archdiocese the chrism mass is usually celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week. Although the Bishop usually blesses enough oil of catechumens for use in the diocese throughout the year, if they do run out, a priest may bless a new batch. The oil of catechumens is traditionally olive oil, but any vegetable oil may be used.
We most frequently use the oil of catechumens during the baptism of infants. Near the beginning of the rite, we pray an “exorcism” for the children, a prayer that will that they be freed from original sin. Babies are then anointed on the chest with the oil of catechumens. However, the full meaning of the oil comes to light when those being anointed are adults preparing for baptism. In this case, all the prayers make more sense: we pray that the catechumens will have strength and wisdom to understand the gospel and to accept the challenge of Christian living. This anointing leads them towards baptism. Even though infants are not and strengthen women in the separating this anointing from their baptism, we still borrow this element from the adult right.
Let us continue to pray for the adults in our community who are preparing to be immersed in the waters of baptism at the Easter Vigil.
God Bless,
