Mix-up in Holy Oils
Date: May 4, 2025
Author: Fr. Edward McNamara, LC
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
Answer: There does not seem to be any official mode of abbreviations for the various holy oils, and this would also depend on the language. For example, in Italian the sacrament of confirmation is popularly called the “Cresima,” and so the abbreviations could be either “Chris,” “Cres,” “Chr,” or “Conf.”
Although there do not seem to be current prescriptive laws regarding the care of the holy oils, these did exist in the past.
The oils were to be carefully kept in an ambry, a sealed alcove in the church wall. The ambry door was inscribed with the words “olea sacra” and covered by a white or purple veil.
The interior of the ambry niche was to be lined with silk with each oil having an associated color: white or gold for chrism, green for the oil of catechumens, and purple for the oil of the sick. Thus, the containers for the oils would be either covered by a veil of the proper color or by colored ribbons tied to the containers.
More rarely, the containers themselves were made of the distinct colors. This color code would also apply to veils or ribbons for the large containers of oil kept in the cathedral church.
Current legislation does not seem to mention these colors, but there is no reason why they cannot still be used as a practical aid in avoiding mishaps. However, other color codes could be adopted such as using red instead of white or gold for chrism because of its association with the Holy Spirit.
The presence of a visible ambry is usually required in all new churches. Thus, the U.S. guidelines for church buildings, Built of Living Stones, says:
“The Place for the Sacred Oils
§ 117 § The consecrated oil of chrism for initiation, ordination, and the dedication of churches, as well as the blessed oils of the sick and of catechumens, are traditionally housed in a special place called an ambry or repository. These oils consecrated or blessed by the bishop at the Mass of Chrism deserve the special care of the community to which they have been entrusted. The style of the ambry may take different forms. A parish church might choose a simple, dignified, and secure niche in the baptistry or in the wall of the sanctuary or a small case for the oils. Cathedrals responsible for the care of a larger supply of the oils need a larger ambry. Since bright light or high temperatures can hasten spoilage, parishes will want to choose a location that helps to preserve the freshness of the oil.”
The American edition of the Book of Blessings also has a special formula for blessing an ambry:
“Let this repository (these vessels)
remind us always of your sacramental mysteries.
May the holy oils kept here,
the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and holy chrism,
confirm our unity in faith and prayer
with our bishop
and with all the members of your Church,
and be effective signs of the love
that you pour forth into our hearts [1132].”
As our reader commented, it is important that any mishaps and confusions regarding the oils be avoided. This is especially true for the chrism because it is effectively an essential element of the sacrament of confirmation (Canon 880), and the sacrament would be invalid if a different oil were used.
Chrism is usually easily detectable because, being a mixture of olive oil with balsam or another aromatic substance, it has a particular fragrance which makes it readily distinguishable from the other oils.
If a priest is in doubt regarding the other two oils, he could have them replaced from the reserve in the cathedral or use the emergency faculty to bless them himself under certain conditions as foreseen in the liturgical books and canon law.
In the highly unlikely situation of a confusion regarding a diocese’s entire annual supply of the two oils, then the bishop could conditionally bless them once more in the sacristy before they are distributed to parishes.
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