Description
Blessed Anthony Bonfadini healing oil
The Blessed Anthony Bonfadini healing oil is dedicated to the 15th century Italian Franciscan saint. He spent the early part of his life enjoying the leisure of amusements of court life. At the age of thirty-nine, he abandoned his comfortable existence. He joined the Franciscan Order. When obtained his doctorate in theology, he was ordained a priest.
Anthony became a renowned preacher throughout Italy. He was a zealous missionary in the Holy Land. His labours were crowned with innumerable conversions and miracles.
On his return from the Holy Land, Anthony stopped at Cotignola to preach. However, he took violently ill, and died at a pilgrims’ inn. Many miracles were attributed to him after his death. Cotignola, spared from calamities in 1630, 1688, and 1696, credits these favours to his intercession.
In 1495 his body was transferred to the Church of the Observant Friary. A special chapel was erected for him in 1666. Pope Leo XIII confirmed his cult in 1901, and in the following year the recognition of his incorrupt body took place.
The sacred relic was last officially examined in 1945, and the body is still well preserved, even though the glass case that contained it was destroyed during the aerial bombardments of World War II. The body of the Beatus is exposed for the veneration of his clients at Cotignola during the week following Easter.
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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.