Which oil is used in the Anointing of the Sick and who blesses it?

Which oil is used in the Anointing of the Sick and who blesses it?

• A. Water blessed by the bishop
• B. Oil of the Sick, olive oil specially prayed over by the bishop
• C. Oil blessed by the priest
• D. Palm oil blessed by the deacon

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is the sacred sign used in the Anointing of the Sick and who blesses it. In this sacrament, the sign is Oil of the Sick (oleum infirmorum), which is olive oil set apart specifically for this rite. That oil is blessed for this purpose by the bishop, giving it the liturgical character needed for the sacrament to be valid and grace-filled. This is why the best answer identifies Oil of the Sick as olive oil specially prayed over by the bishop. The oil’s blessing by the bishop highlights the unity of the Church in administering grace; the sign itself represents healing, strength, and the Holy Spirit’s presence, accompanying the prayers for the sick person. Other oils or waters blessed by others aren’t used in this sacrament, which is why they don’t fit.

The main concept here is the sacred sign used in the Anointing of the Sick and who blesses it. In this sacrament, the sign is Oil of the Sick (oleum infirmorum), which is olive oil set apart specifically for this rite. That oil is blessed for this purpose by the bishop, giving it the liturgical character needed for the sacrament to be valid and grace-filled. This is why the best answer identifies Oil of the Sick as olive oil specially prayed over by the bishop.

The oil’s blessing by the bishop highlights the unity of the Church in administering grace; the sign itself represents healing, strength, and the Holy Spirit’s presence, accompanying the prayers for the sick person. Other oils or waters blessed by others aren’t used in this sacrament, which is why they don’t fit.