Chrism is a balm or oil used in the consecration of religious believers by Catholic bishops, on Holy Thursdays, in order to anoint the baptized and confirmed. This balm is used both in the church oriental and the Orthodox in specific ceremonies and often kept in containers of gold. The word has its origin from the Latin chrisma (anointing) and since it is the name given to the upper front part of the head of human beings, its composition is based on the representation of different symbols presented in symbolic ingredients, for example:
- Olive oil: represents strength
- Balsam: the aroma of this is used to symbolize the soft smell of the Christian life
There are other consecration oils used in episcopal blessings such as: The Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens. However, to be used as a valid material for the sacrament, said oil must be blessed by a bishop or a delegate priest of the Holy See, these conditions being necessary for its validity. The newly baptized are touched by the bishop with the chrism on the forehead, head and hands as a sign of their consecration, the walls of the church are also consecrated and anointed by holy oil.
It should be noted that the oils are not the same every year, in fact the bishop must burn the previous oil paintings and verify that each year they are different and new, in case they are burned in large quantities, they are used to be consumed in a lamp, but never in a consecration. This rite also includes the renewal of priestly promises, at Mass the bishop invites his priests to renew their consecration, their loyalty and faith towards Jesus Christ and the church, publicly promising to unite more to Christ and to be faithful ministers in holy sacrifice to his Name.
The effects of this chrism are exorcism, in order to strengthen the struggle in the Christian life, while the catechumens and the sick prepare to receive baptism and healing.
