Holy Oil Blessed at St. Anne de Beaupre Basilica

Origin

We have to go back more than a century to trace the origin of Saint Anne's Oil.  Our ancestors, who came as pilgrims, used to take home some of the oil that was burning in the sanctuary lamp, before the relics of Saint Anne, for the use of sick people who were not able to come to the Shrine.  

Later on, the Guardians of the Shrine used to prepare this oil in advance in sufficient quantities for the needs of everyone.  

Spiritual preparation of Saint Anne's Oil

Although the actual preparation and delivery of this oil are handled by the Church Store, we carefully follow the traditional ceremony for preparing it. 

Prayers for the preparation of this oil are inspired by the Roman Ritual.  They sanctify the oil, giving it a special virtue, although not infallible, to cure the sick.

A votive lamp is lit and the religious preparation of the oil is made in presence of a priest, in front of Saint Anne's statue and relics.

Use

How should it be used? Sick people may use it exteriorly by rubbing a sore place with it.  We should not have any superstitious belief that it is certain to bring about a cure.  Although the Lord Jesus, through the intercession of Saint Anne, is well able to obtain marvels for us, he is never obliged to do so.  As we make use of the oil, our personal prayer, sustained by the Church's prayer, will help us to get closer to God and to obtain spiritual blessings.