St Benedict the Moor Healing Oil

Description

St Benedict the Moor healing oil is dedicated to St Benedict the moor. He was born in 1524 in Messina.. He was born a slave. Surprisingly, his master freed him. Benedict became a solitary. Eventually, he settled with other solitaries. As a result, they made him superior of the community. The Pope disbanded communities of solitaries. Benedict became a Franciscan lay brother. He served as cook at St Mary’s convent near Palermo.

Benedict was appointed superior of the convent. Also, after serving as superior he became novice master. Benedict asked to be relieved of his post. Subsequently, he returned to his position as cook. Due to his reputation for miracles, his holiness and as a confessor hordes of visitors came to see him. He died at the convent. Benedict was canonised in 1807. St Benedict the moor’s body remains incorrupt.

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 is invited to apply oil on the part of their body they want healed. 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 personalised for the saint to whom the oil is dedicated to.