Archbishop Vigneron said the significance of the oils in the sacraments of the Holy Spirit was foreshadowed in the events of Noah’s flood and of Jesus’ own baptism, in which the Spirit was present in the form of a dove.
“The sacred Chrism that Christ consecrates today is about making present in our time, in this year of salvation, at the Easter vigil and at all of the other confirmations thereafter, the descent of the Holy Spirit that seals and confirms what God does when he cleanses by water.”
After the Liturgy of the Word, the archbishop was presented with the three types of holy oils — the oil of the sick, the oil of catechumens, and the Holy Chrism — for his consecration. After mixing in a perfume with the Chrism oil, the archbishop blessed and breathed on it. After the Chrism Mass, priests from across the archdiocese received the three newly consecrated oils in vessels to take back to their home parishes.
The oil of the sick is used in the sacrament of anointing of the sick, sometimes referred to as last rites or extreme unction.
The oil of catechumens is used just before the sacrament of baptism, when the bishop, priest or deacon anoints the chest of those to be baptized, symbolizing the catechumen’s need for God’s help and strength to overcome the bonds of sin. It is also used in other rites, such as the ordination of priests, the consecration of churches or the blessing of altars.
The Holy Chrism is used to anoint the forehead of those receiving the sacrament of confirmation, as well as in the consecration of a bishop. It is also used in baptism to anoint the head of those newly baptized, and to anoint the hands of a newly ordained priest.
During the Chrism Mass, all the priests present also verbally renewed their commitment to priestly service to the Church and the archbishop.
