They have been warned that misuse of these oils not only makes them appear questionable but also creates an impression of a lack of maturity in their faith.
The faithful, on their part, have been urged to remain steadfast in their faith and Church instead of being swayed by claims of miracles from churches that promote practices involving oil. Such churches have been accused of turning oil into a business for financial gain, particularly targeting people with weak faith.
This call was made by Catholic bishops from various dioceses across the country during the Mass for the Blessing of the Oils of Catechumens and the Anointing of the Sick, as well as the Consecration of the Chrism.
At St. Joseph’s Cathedral in the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, the Archbishop, Most Rev. Judda Thadeus Ruwa’ichi, OFM Cap., urged priests to reflect on their vocation, recognizing that their priesthood is a participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Eternal High Priest.
“We are priests of the Lord, called and made worthy. Let us thank God for this privilege, remembering that among those we live with are people more educated, more disciplined, and more obedient than we are, yet God chose you so that He may be praised and glorified. Therefore, know yourself in your true identity as a priest and give God thanks and praise,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of priests loving one another, reminding them that each priest is a gift from God despite human weaknesses.
“Your fellow priest is a gift from God to you, to the Church, and to the world. Care for him and accompany him in his consecrated vocation,” he stressed.
He expressed concern over the lack of unity among some priests, especially those serving in the same parish, noting that some do not even share meals or participate together in the Holy Mass. Such divisions, he said, weaken the faith and must be stopped immediately. Instead, priests should support and strengthen one another spiritually in fulfilling their mission.
“Build a culture and habit of praying together. Those who do so know how to organize their time well. The excuse of lacking time reflects a lack of discipline, love, and moral and vocational maturity,” he added.
He called on priests to be true ministers of the Lord, united in love and holiness, nurturing one another in their mission of proclaiming Christ rather than fostering division.
Condemnation of the Misuse of Holy Oils
Archbishop Ruwa’ichi stressed that Holy Oils must be used properly according to the traditions, faith, and discipline of the Catholic Church. He strongly warned priests against their misuse.
“It is shocking to see a priest using Chrism oil inappropriately. Priests, have you been misled? You know this is mere theatrics—deception and misleading of the faithful. Avoid strange practices and spectacles. Our religion is not one of theatrics; it is one, holy, Catholic, and apostolic. Let us not distort it to suit ourselves. Be careful and carry out your mission according to the teachings of Christ,” he emphasized.
He also took the opportunity to thank the priests of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, acknowledging their importance and encouraging them to live their vocation faithfully.
Decline of faith linked to priests’ lack of awareness – Archbishop Nkwande
In the Archdiocese of Mwanza, during the Chrism Mass held at Bugando Cathedral, Archbishop Renatus Nkwande reminded priests that their calling is to serve, not to be served. He noted that the decline of faith in many parts of the world, including Western countries, is largely due to priests failing to recognize their responsibilities within the Church.
“This priesthood, which we have made our own instead of God’s—a priesthood that we have turned into one of being served rather than serving—is the reason faith is declining in many parts of the world. Areas that once had nearly 100 percent Christianity have now significantly declined. This is largely due to priests forgetting that this is God’s priesthood, not theirs,” he said.
He also encouraged the faithful to remain firm in their faith and to promote vocations to the priesthood within families by guiding young people to respond to God’s call, as Samuel did. He urged believers to abandon sinful ways and live according to God’s will.
Kayanga Bishop clarifies on Holy Oils
The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kayanga, the Most Rev. Almachius Rweyongeza, speaking during Mass at St. George’s Cathedral, urged the faithful to distinguish between Holy Oils used in the Catholic Church and those distributed in other churches.
He explained that Catholic Holy Oils work through the power of the Holy Spirit and are derived from olive oil, symbolizing life and continuity, as the olive tree does not wither but continues to bear fruit.
He emphasized that Catholic Holy Oils are not meant to be trampled on, as practiced in some denominations, noting that such actions may be theologically misguided.
“Through the Holy Spirit whom we invoke, these oils have the power to work in the spiritual realm saving souls and giving hope for eternal life and peace in heaven,” he said.
He urged Catholics not to be deceived by denominations claiming to perform miracles, but instead to remain firm in their faith and avoid being drawn into misleading practices.
“The oils of the Catholic Church, including those used for the Anointing of the Sick, work through the power of the Holy Spirit. Do not be shaken in your faith or vocation, nor turn to deceptive paths that cannot save. Some have even turned oils into a business, labeling them with the names of saints such as Anna and Raphael. Oil has been commercialized like alcohol. Yet Scripture says: ‘the lawless one is already at work… and the Lord Jesus will overthrow him’ (2 Thessalonians 2:7–12),” he concluded.