Description

St Teresa of Avila healing oil

St Teresa of Avila, (Patron saint of headaches prayer) healing oil is dedicated to Saint Teresa of Ávila, the Carmelite nun. She was an  author during the  Counter Reformation.   Also, she was a theologian of contemplative life through mental prayer. She was a reformer in the Carmelite Order of her time.  Also, the movement she initiated was later joined by St John of the Cross.  It eventually led to the establishment of the  Discalced Carmelites.

In 1622, forty years after her death, she was canonized by  Pope Gregory XV.   On 27 September 1970 St Teresa was named a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI.  Her books, which include her autobiography (The Life of Teresa of Jesus). Also she wrote her seminal work; The Interior Castle, are an integral part of  Spanish Renaissance Literature.   Also, she was known for Christian mysticism and Christian meditation practices. She also wrote The Way of Perfection).

After her death, Saint Teresa was considered a candidate to become a national patron saint in Spain.  Pious Catholic beliefs also associate Saint Teresa with the Infant Jesus of Prague.

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.