After the Liturgy of the Word, the blessing of the oils takes place. The oil of the sick is presented first, next the oil of the catechumens, and finally oil for the holy chrism. The bishop prays over and blesses each oil individually. The oil of the sick and the oil of the catechumens are pure olive oil. The ritual for creating and consecrating the holy chrism oil is different. The bishop mixes oil from the balsam plant with the olive oil. The oil symbolizes strength, and the fragrant balsam represents the “aroma of Christ” (2 Cor 2:15). The bishop breathes on the mixed oil to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit, and then says a prayer to consecrate it. Once blessed in this way, the chrism and the other oils are no longer ordinary ointments. They are holy gifts from God to His Church, signifying cleansing and strengthening, healing and comfort, and the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit.