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.
The oil of the sick is used for the sacrament of the anointing of the sick. The priest lays hands on the sick person, says special prayers, and anoints the person by placing oil in the form of a cross on the forehead and hands. Through this sacrament, God gives the sick person grace and strength. Prior to baptism, adults and infants are anointed with the oil of the catechumens. For adults, this anointing often takes place during an initiation ceremony at the beginning of the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults. During Mass, the priest or deacon anoints the catechumens, then prays that God will instill them with wisdom for discernment and with the strength necessary to avoid evil during their inquiry into the Catholic faith and their preparation for a life with Christ. In a similar way, an infant is anointed just before receiving the waters of baptism. Holy chrism oil signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and is used to consecrate someone or something to God’s service. It is used for the ordination of a priest, the consecration of a bishop, and during confirmation, and it is also part of the baptismal rite. Holy chrism oil is also used in the consecration of a church and the blessing of an altar and the vessels used at Mass.