St. Anthony's Blessed Oil

  • Thread starter Thread starter torch621
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
T

torch621

Guest
(not sure where else to put this, so I’m putting it here)

The Holy Land Franciscans recently sent me a vial of “St. Anthony’s Blessed Oil” as a thank you for a generous donation I sent them, but I’m a might confused as to what exactly it is for and whether or not I can even use the stuff. Can anyone with knowledge of the use of this apparent sacramental clue me in as to what it is for? Thanks a ton 🙂
 
You anoint yourself, or another individual, and pray for healing (spiritual, physical, mental, psychological). You can use any healing prayer, even your own words. Place a small amount of oil on the tip of your index finger, and make the Sign of the Cross on your forehead, repeat on the palms of the hands. Do the same for someone you are praying for healing for. Any blessed oil can be used, you can have a priest bless olive oil for personal use. Some oils are not only blessed, they are also (the container containing them) touched to a relic of a saint. For example: I have oil that has been touched to one of Padre Pio’s gloves. Use the oil as you would Holy water or Blessed salt. Some apply the oil to the doors of a home, or a room (apply with a cross sign to door or frame above door), to protect the home/room. It is a wonderful sacramental to have and to use.
 
We just received a letter from the same people the original poster received the oil from. What they say in the letter is:

"You may have noticed that pictures and statues of St. Anthony often portray him holding a lily. This beautiful flower has long been regarded in Christian art as a symbol of integrity of life. In many parts of the world, lilies are in bloom in the middle of June when the feast of St. Anthony is observed.

Lilies were central to one of the many miracles associated with St. Anthony. The place: Corsica during the French revolution. Franciscans on the island had been forced to leave, but people continued to honor St. Anthony as the friars had taught them. On his feast, bouquets of lilies were placed at the Saint’s shrine in the deserted church. Many months later, the lilies were found still fresh and white - radiant with a purity that held the promise of God’s love.

Permission to bless lilies in honor of St. Anthony was later given by Pope Leo XIII, and the tradition of St. Anthony’s Oil was giving to us. Today it is believed that St. Anthony’s Oil wards off the attacks of evil spirits; gives strength to withstand temptations against purity; heals the body; and brings the peace and grace of the Spirit of God.

Anointing with oil has been and continues to be a part of the Catholic tradition, going back to the time of Jesus. The gospels recount how Jesus Himself was anointed. Like holy water, oil is a sacramental. It is a means of grace."

Hope that helps, late though it is!
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top