Q: Excuse me if you have already answered this question in the past, but I can’t find it. I am always uncomfortable when I baptise infants and I have to say the prayer of exorcism and anoint them with the oil of catechumens after the prayer of the faithful. I must admit that I don’t understand myself why should we use the oil of catechumens for infants who are not catechumens. Consequently, it is difficult for me to explain that rite the parents during the preparation for the baptism of their children.
I would appreciate if you kindly explain why do we do this.
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A: I’m not sure about the conference of bishops in your part of Africa, but ours has decided that the use of the oil of catechumens for infants is optional at the discretion of the priest or deacon who presides.
It is a protecting oil meant to seal in (or out!) the effects of the exorcism. It does not make the infant a catechumen. With a smile, I explain that the oil is similar to sunblock or mosquito repellent. it’s meant to deflect what may cause harm.
There’s more in my book Sacred Oils.
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