"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring glad tidings to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord" (Lk 4:18-19).
Jesus, the High Priest, was anointed to bring the Good News of salvation to all. Today, the local Bishop continues this call and commissions his Priests to help him anoint God's people and minister the sacramental grace of God's Kingdom. This brief Ritual Edition entreats God's blessing on the oils to be used for the sacramental blessings of the Church. The ritual is for use at the Chrism Mass, where the Bishop consecrates the sacred "Chrism of salvation" and blesses the holy oils for use at Baptism, Confirmation, and during the Anointing of the Sick. Optional chant forms of the blessing prayers are also included.
In addition to being a necessity at diocesan celebrations of the Chrism Mass, diocesan liturgy offices, seminaries, and theological libraries will find it to be helpful and meaningful resource.
