Chrismarium
Chrismarium is a historical liturgical and architectural term for either a place associated with the celebration of confirmation or, more commonly, a vessel or repository used for one or more of the Church's holy oils.
Overview
A chrismarium, chrismal, or chrismatory is a container for holy oils, considered a sacramental in the Catholic Church.[1]
The chrismarium comprises three individual vessels, which may be shaped like jars, ampullae, or cylindrical boxes. The first vessel, usually marked I. or INF., contains oil for the anointing of the sick; the second, usually marked CAT., contains the oil of catechumens; the third, usually marked CHR., contains chrism. Each vessel has a sheath or case to hold it, and the three cases are often joined together into a single object. The vessels are usually made of gold or silver, but are sometimes made of other materials such as tin or pewter.[2]
Each parish church ordinarily has its own chrismarium, which it refills as needed from the large chrismarium kept in the cathedral. The bishop consecrates the yearly supply of oils on Maundy Thursday, and these are kept in the cathedral chrismarium.
Meanings of the term
Older dictionaries give two related senses. A chrismarium may be a place set apart for confirmation, especially in descriptions of ancient church arrangements, or an ampulla, jar, case, or cabinet associated with sacred chrism and the other holy oils.[3]
Context determines whether a text names a room, architectural fitting, container, or repository. Translating every occurrence as chrism vessel can therefore erase the evidence of a building; translating every occurrence as chapel can misidentify an object.
Chrism and the other oils
Sacred chrism is olive or other plant oil mixed with perfume and consecrated by the bishop. The oil of catechumens and oil of the sick are blessed. Because the three oils have different sacramental uses, their vessels are marked and kept so that they cannot be confused.[4]
Ambry and oil stock
Ambry commonly names the secure church cabinet in which the holy oils are reserved. Oil stock commonly names a smaller vessel used in ministry. Chrismarium can overlap with either in historical writing, but the current local liturgical books and diocesan directions supply the controlling terminology.
Sacramental use
Chrism is used in confirmation and in anointings connected with baptism and holy orders, as well as in the dedication of churches and altars. The oil of the sick is the proper matter for the Anointing of the Sick, and the oil of catechumens belongs to baptismal preparation where the rite provides it.
A chrismarium is not itself a sacrament and does not consecrate its contents. The bishop's liturgical act, the approved matter, and the Church's prescribed rites establish the sacred oils; the vessel protects them and supports reverent use.[5]
Custody and renewal
Holy oils are normally kept in a suitable, secure, and dignified place in the church. They should be clearly identified, guarded from profanation, and available for pastoral need. Decorative display must not compromise security or confuse the oils with ordinary devotional objects.
New oils are ordinarily received after the Chrism Mass and the old supply is reverently consumed or disposed of according to diocesan direction. Local law and liturgical instructions should be followed rather than assumptions based on the shape of an antique container.
Art and archaeology
Surviving chrismaria may be made of silver, pewter, glass, ceramic, wood, or stone and can bear letters identifying their contents. Their material and inscriptions provide evidence for sacramental practice, craft, and church administration.
Museum catalogues sometimes use chrismarium more broadly than liturgical law.
See also
From the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia
Chrismarium — (1) A place in a church set apart for the administration of confirmation. (2) An ampulla or jar, globular in form, usually made of silver or pewter, and used for containing the holy oils. See CHRISMAL.
References
- Back to citation Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Chrismarium". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
- Back to citation Herbermann, Charles, ed. (1913). "Chrismal, Chrismatory". Catholic Encyclopedia. New York: Robert Appleton Company.
- Back to citation Code of Canon Law, canon 880 — Latin discipline concerning chrism in confirmation.
- Back to citation USCCB: Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and the Sick — Episcopal conference overview of the three holy oils and the Chrism Mass.
- Back to citation Catechism: the sacrament of Confirmation — Catholic doctrine on sacred chrism and its sacramental use.