Story by Anthony Richards and photos by Fran Ruchalski
The holy oils that will be used in baptisms, confirmations, ordinations and anointings of the sick in every parish of the Diocese of St. Augustine during the coming year were prepared March 3 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
Preparing the oils for each parish is a significant undertaking. Still, the volunteers and parishioners at the Cathedral Basilica consider it a blessing to be part of the process each year, according to Patti Schiavo, director of liturgy at the parish.
“It truly is a blessing to assist in preparing these oils for each parish, mission and hospital chaplain in our diocese,” she said. “We pray for and think about all of the people who will be baptized, confirmed, anointed and ordained with these holy oils as we prepare them and reflect on all of the altars that will be consecrated with the sacred chrism.”
About 20 gallons of olive oil and four bottles of chrism essence were used in the preparation process. Mixing, bottling and packaging the oil took a couple of hours for the roughly 10 volunteers who assisted.
Although the preparation requires a significant amount of oil and coordination, volunteers have developed an efficient system over the years.
“This system started in 2012 when Father Jeff Johnston brought the idea to us from the Diocese of Rockville Centre in New York, where he served before coming to our diocese,” Schiavo said.
“Before then, we asked all the parishes and priests to bring their own vessels or containers to the Chrism Mass for our staff and volunteers to fill.”
With the current approach, the holy oils are prepared weeks in advance. Representatives from each parish pick them up following the Chrism Mass at 11 a.m. April 1 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Augustine.
