Mix-up in Holy Oils

May 4, 2025

Question: On more than one occasion I have been at a Chrism Mass (in the Roman rite) where, afterward, when the holy oils were distributed for the parishes, there was a mix-up and either the oil of catechumens or the holy chrism was placed in the wrong oil stock. This is a serious issue since, according to some authors, the use of the wrong oil invalidates the sacrament of confirmation. The source of the confusion seemed to be the diversity of symbols used for the different oils. I have tried to make an exhaustive list of those in common use. So far, I have found for the oil of catechumens: OC, OS, B, S, Cat; for the holy chrism: SC, C, Chr, Ch; and for the oil of the sick: OI, I, Inf. Are you aware of any other symbols? Also, is there an official liturgical source for the colors usually attributed to the oils, and with which they are decorated in the Chrism Mass, or is this just a custom? Finally, what is the best practical way to mix balsam with the oil for the holy chrism? Some liturgical shops sell balsam, but instructions for incorporating it are hard to find. — J.D., Wagga Wagga, Australia

During the Interregnum

April 26, 2025

Question: Priests from various parts of the globe asked versions of the following question: "During the interregnum, what should be said in the Eucharistic Prayer at the prayer for the Pope?

Via Crucis on Sundays of Lent

April 12, 2025

Question: What is the position of the universal Church or the Dicastery for Divine Worship on this pastoral experience: Is it good to have Stations of the Cross on Sundays during Lent? If so, why? — P.O., Humboldt, Saskatchewan

Mass Intentions at the Easter Vigil

April 5, 2025

Question: During the Easter Vigil, can we make particular Mass intentions? For example, an intention for a deceased? — L.D., Nancy, France

Book of the Gospels

March 29, 2025

Question: The Book of the Gospels is compulsory for a Stational Mass of the Diocesan Bishop (Ceremonial of Bishops, Nos. 125 and 140). At a minimum, using a Book of the Gospels is praiseworthy for a Mass with the people (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Nos. 117, 119, 122, 173, 175). Yet using it is made impossible for most days of the year by the publication of Books of the Gospels that do not include all the Gospel readings. A solution is to follow the recommendation in the 1981 Introduction to the Lectionary: “113. The size of the Lectionary will necessitate editions in more than one volume; … The ancient custom is recommended of having separate books, one for the Gospels and the other for the readings for the Old and the New Testament.” But as far as I can tell, no conference of bishops has followed it. Do you think they should? — J.L., Melbourne, Australia

Blessing of the Chrism Oil

March 23, 2025

Question: 1) If oils to be blessed by the bishop during the Chrism Mass were pre-packaged and pre-mixed prior to the blessing of the oils, would they actually be blessed when the bishop prayed the prayers over them at the Mass? 2) During the Chrism Mass, the bishop makes the sign of the cross and breathes into an urn containing the sacred oil. His breath represents the invocation of the Spirit upon the oil. If a bishop fails to breathe on the oil, would that invalidate the oil? And if so, would that invalidate the ordinations and confirmations at which the oil was used?

Tinkering With the Divine Praises

March 15, 2025

Question: A priest has added “Blessed be Jesus in the poorest of the poor” to the Divine Praises in our Benediction service. Is that permitted? -- P.S., Montreal

Anointings for the Mentally Ill

March 8, 2025

Question: I have a question regarding the anointing of the sick. I know that those who suffer from grave illnesses are subject to receive this sacrament. Does this include those with mental illness? If so, which ailments can be considered as grave? — A.L., Guadalajara, Mexico

Substitute Psalms

March 2, 2025

Question: These two questions pertain to General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) No. 61: 1. Since singing of the psalms is encouraged in GIRM 61 and not all psalms have been set to music, when we choose a "substitute" psalm (for singing), are we supposed to choose only from the list of "common psalms" in the lectionary (depending on the season)? Or may we choose a psalm (of similar theme or message) that is originally assigned on other days (not necessarily same season) but is not in the list of "common psalms"? 2. Does the psalm (with musical setting) have to correspond word-for-word with what is in lectionary? Or will different choice of words in the response or verses be acceptable so long as they come from the same part of the Bible? -- M.A.S., Philippines

Spontaneous and Ritual Blessings

February 22, 2025

Question: I would like to ask about the difference between a spontaneous blessing and a ritual blessing. Are their effects the same or not? I see some priests blessing water without the rite; they just say their own prayers. So, is that holy water or not? In many cases I also see ministers blessing without the ceremony (that is, they gave spontaneous blessings). This makes me confused. Also, is the sign of the cross given by priests necessary when they bless religious articles such as statues, images, medals and rosaries? If a priest blesses something without giving the sign of the cross by his hand, will the blessing be valid? — P.N.V., Manila, Philippines