Catholic Sacramentals · Water and oils
Historical origin: Contemporary devotions inspired by the book of Tobias.
What is and what is not
This object or practice belongs to the field of Catholic piety and must be understood from the general doctrine of the sacramentals. The sacramentals are sacred signs instituted by the Church who, by their prayer, prepare to receive grace and sanctify the circumstances of life. They do not confer grace in the same way as the seven sacraments and do not act automatically. Matter, color, or form have no magic power.
History
The association of Saint Rafael with healing comes from the book of Tobias: the archangel accompanies the young Tobias and reveals a remedy by which his father recovers his sight. In different places, devotional oils have emerged blessed in their honor. There is no single universal "oil of Saint Rafael" nor should it be confused with the three liturgical oils that the bishop blesses or consecrates for the sacraments.
Its development is inserted into a broader Christian history. From the first centuries, the faithful used the sign of the cross, blessings, water, oil, clothing, pilgrimage and images to keep alive the memory of Baptism and the communion of the saints. In the Middle Ages, the cofradies and reduced forms of religious habits grew; the Modern Age multiplied rituals, medals and sanctuary memories. The contemporary liturgical reform called for a review of these practices so that they lead to the liturgy, sprout from it and avoid superstitions.
Christian use and blessing
A secular can use a blessed oil as a gesture of prayer, without imitating the sacramental form of the Uniting of the Sick or attributing pharmacological properties to the oil.
The blessing must be done with a rite approved and by the competent minister. The faithful responds to that prayer by living the Gospel: faith, hope, charity, participation in the Eucharist, confession when necessary and works of mercy. A sacramental does not replace a medical consultation, a prudent decision or moral duty.
doctrinal sources for deepening
- Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1667-1679
- Code of Canon Law, 1166-1172
- Directory on popular piety and liturgy
