Description

Oil Dedicated to Blessed James Bitecto

The Oil Dedicated to Blessed James Bitecto the 15th century Croatian friar.  He was born in Illria, which was later called Dalmatia.  He entered the Franciscan convent in his native place as a lay brother.

Soon he distinguished himself in all virtues as a model religious. The Father Provincial to choose him to travel to Italy for the general chapter. James felt more closely united to God there.  With the consent of his superiors, he remained in Italy from that time on.

James was an example

He was sent in turn to different convents, so that his example might animate the brothers to seek perfection. Nothing, however, was further removed from the mind of James than to consider himself an example to others. He was filled with humility and contempt for himself, loved silence, was punctual in obedience, and performed his duties with care. But while his hands were busy at work, his mind was occupied with God.

In the convent at Conversano, where he was cook, he would fall into rapture at the sight of the fire. He thought at such times of the fire of hell, and adored the strict justice of God, while he found himself mightily urged on to acts of penance and to the love of God, who sent His own Son into this world to save us from hell.

At Cassano

The Divine Spirit who filled his soul at such times did not permit his work to suffer on that account. In the convent garden at Cassano there was a grotto with an image of the Mother of God. To it James at times withdrew in the evening, and there he scourged himself until he bled, and remained all night absorbed in devotion to the Mother of Mercy. God almighty favoured him with the gifts of miracles and of prophecy.

The closing years of his life Blessed James of Bitecto spent in the convent of Bitecto, from which he received his surname. There he died a holy death on April 27, 1490. His grave is held in great veneration. A hundred years after his death his body was found still incorrupt. Pope Innocent XII approved the uninterrupted devotion paid to him.

blessed James Bitecto healing oil/Tradition of oils

The tradition of anointing with sacred oil is very old indeed. It is used in sacraments and also as a devotional practice. The sick person applies the oil and blesses themselves. As they do so, they are asked to pray to whomever the oil is dedicated to. The Irish blessings oils do not have miraculous power.  It is God who has the power to heal.  Applying the oil while praying are important ways for us to express our faith in God’s power. Moreover, by doing so we place our trust in God.