By Charles Igwe
Pope Francis emphasized that those who embrace their anointing in the sacrament of confirmation with joy naturally spread the fragrance of holiness within the Church and throughout the world. Speaking during his general audience on August 21, the Pope highlighted that the way we live our faith has a profound impact on others.
“Unfortunately, sometimes Christians do not spread the fragrance of Christ, but instead emit the bad odor of their own sin,” Pope Francis cautioned, noting that sin can turn us into “bad oil.”
During the weekly audience, held in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VI Hall, the Pope continued his catechesis on the Holy Spirit, focusing specifically on the significance of being anointed with Chrism in the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. The hall was filled with thousands of pilgrims from around the world, many waving flags and colored bandanas, eager to see the Pope.
In his address, Pope Francis recalled the baptism of Jesus, when “the very Spirit descended on Him.” He explained that Christians are anointed in the likeness of Christ, referencing St. Cyril of Jerusalem’s teachings from the Mystagogical Catecheses. The Pope recited the prayer used by bishops to consecrate Chrism oil on Holy Thursday: “May those formed into a temple of your majesty by the holiness infused through this anointing and by the cleansing of the stain of their first birth be made fragrant with the innocence of a life pleasing to you.”
Pope Francis emphasized that a person who lives their anointing with joy brings a pleasant fragrance to the Church, their community, and their family. Quoting from St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians, he highlighted that the fragrance of Christ is manifested through the fruits of the Spirit, which include “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
“It’s beautiful to encounter a good, faithful, and humble person,” the Pope remarked, stressing that sin should not distract believers from their calling to be the fragrance of Christ in the world.
At the conclusion of the audience, before leading the “Our Father” prayer and offering his blessing, Pope Francis called for prayers for peace in several regions experiencing conflict, including Ukraine, Myanmar, South Sudan, and the North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He also urged prayers for peace in Palestine and Israel.
“Let us ask the Holy Spirit to make us more conscious of being anointed by Him,” Pope Francis concluded.
