Oil dedicated to St Cosmos and St Damian

Description

Oil dedicated to St Cosmos and St Damian on prayer cloth

The Oil dedicated to St Cosmos and St Damian on prayer cloth is in honour of the two saints who were brothers and twins. They were physicians and accepted no payments for their services. They are known as patron saints for twins and also surgeons.

Sts. Cosmas and Damian were brothers, born in Arabia, who had become eminent for their skill in the science of medicine. Being Christians, they were filled with the spirit of charity and never took money for their services. At Egaea in Cilicia, where they lived, they enjoyed the highest esteem of the people. When the persecution under Diocletian broke out, their very prominence rendered them marked objects of persecution. They were apprehended by order of Lysias, governor of Cilicia. Both brothers underwent various torments and martyred about the year 283. Their feast day is September 26th. They are patron saints of pharmacists.

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.

The Irish Blessings oils are dedicated to the Holy Spirit, Our Lady, and the saints. The oils come through prayer. They are placed on their designated altars for a period of prayer before being sent out. The oils are of therapeutic grade.

The oil is presented on a prayer cloth enclosed in a card. The small card goes out with the larger card that has the prayer for healing on the inside. The cards are personalized for the saint to whom the oil is dedicated to.