Oil dedicated to St Aspren

Description

The Oil dedicated to St Aspren is dedicated to Aspren the 1st-century Christian saint. He is venerated as the first Bishop of Naples.

Aspren lived at the end of the 1st century and in the early 2nd century. This was confirmed by archaeological studies regarding the early Neapolitan Church.

The Marble Calendar of Naples attests to Aspren’s existence. He lived during the reigns of Trajan and Hadrian. Aspren’s episcopate lasted twenty-three years.

An ancient legend holds that Saint Peter, on his way to Rome, stopped at Naples. There he converted an old woman, Candida, after he cured her of an illness.

Other converts to Christianity were made during this time in Naples, including Aspren. He was converted either by Peter or Candida herself.

The legend holds that Peter consecrated Aspren as bishop of Naples. Peter asked him to construct the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio. The basilica of Santa Restituta; San Pietro ad Aram was said to have been built during this time.

After Aspren’s death, numerous miracles were attributed to him. His sepulcher rested in the oratory of Santa Maria del Principio. Some scholars state that his sepulcher was located in the Catacombs of Gennaro. Their images of the first fourteen Neapolitan bishops can be found. In any case, John IV, Bishop of Naples moved Aspren’s relics to the basilica of Santa Restituta. The chapel is dedicated to Aspren. Aspren was named the second (in 1673) of the large group of more than 50 patron saints of Naples.

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 is important way 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 bottles of oils going out are accompanied by a prayer card. In addition, they are personalized for the saint to whom the oil is dedicated to.