Bible Encyclopedias
Holy Oil

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Holy Office

Next Entry
Holy Orders

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Dictionaries
1910 New Catholic Dictionary
• Oils, Holy
• Holy Oils
Encyclopedias
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
• Oil, Holy
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Holy Oil
• Vessels for Holy Oil
The Catholic Encyclopedia
• Holy Oils
• Vessels for Holy Oils

A name applied in the 4th century to oil brought to Europe from Jerusalem. "It was carried in cotton within little phials, and distributed to the faithful at a time when relics were sparingly distributed." In Gregory of Tour's time, oil blessed at saints' tombs was very general, and in St. Gregory's day oil taken from lamps which burned before the graves of martyrs in the Catacombs was called "holy oil." "Several of these phials, which Gregory the Great gave to queen Theodolinda, are preserved at Monza." — Walcott, Sacred Archaeol. p. 313, 314. (See AMPULLA); (See CHRISMI).