St Robert Bellarmine healing oil- A Blessed Call To Love

Description

St Robert Bellarmine healing oil

The St Robert Bellarmine healing oil is dedicated to the French patron saint for contagious diseases.

St Robert Bellarmine was born on October 4, 1542 in the Tuscan town of Montepulciano. His uncle was a cardinal who later became Pope Marcellus II. Robert received his education from the Jesuit order, which had received written papal approval only two years before his birth. On Sept. 17, the Catholic Church celebrates the Italian cardinal and theologian St. Robert Bellarmine. Also, St. Robert has also been declared a Doctor of the Church and the patron of catechists.

Robert becomes a Jesuit

In September of 1560, Robert entered the Jesuit order himself. He studied philosophy for three years in Rome. He then taught humanities until 1567, when he began a study of theology that lasted until 1569. Subsequently, the final stage of his training emphasized the refutation of Protestant errors.

Near the end of the 1580s, the esteemed theologian became “Spiritual Father” to the Roman College. He served as a guide to St. Aloysius Gonzaga near the end of the young Jesuit’s life. Also, he helped produce the authoritative Latin text of the Bible called for by the recent Council of Trent.

Around the century’s end Robert became an advisor to Pope Clement VIII. The Pope named him a cardinal in 1599. Also, he declared him to be the most educated man in the Church. Robert played a part in a debate between Dominicans and Jesuits regarding grace. The Pope later decided to appoint and consecrate him as the Archbishop of Capua.

The cardinal archbishop’s three years in Capua stood out as an example of fidelity to the reforming spirit and decrees of the Council of Trent. He was considered as a possible Pope in two successive elections. However, the thought of becoming Pope disturbed him and in the end he was never chosen.

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.