CRISMA. - From the 5th century onward the Greeks customarily mixed aromatic substances with the holy oil and the Latins, somewhat later, balsam (v.). Thus C., called by the Greeks Myron, is a mixture of oil and balsam.
In its consecration, which the bishop solemnly performs at the Mass of Holy Thursday (cf. also CIC, can. 734), a eucharistia is recited, that is, a prayer of thanksgiving, in the manner of a Preface; and for this reason it was formerly called oil of eucharist (Didaché, new fragment; S. Ippolito, Traditio apostolico, II, 109, ed. Funk, Tübingen 1902). As an effect of the consecration, the positive sanctification and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the soul are emphasized. C. is used in Baptism, in Confirmation (cf. also CIC, cann. 780-81), in the consecration of the bishop, of the church, of the altar, of the chalice and paten, in the coronation of the emperor or king, and even in the blessing of bells. It symbolizes the communication of grace (Catechismus Romanus, p. II c. 3, n. 6). C. must be renewed every Holy Thursday and kept in a special vessel.
