Offer The Extra Virgin Olive Anointing Oil I Made With Blessed By Priest, Did not success! 😞

MARCH 15, 2026 | SUNDAY

Today started out a bit rushed – I’d been meaning to get to the Heart and Jesus Mary Parish in Malanday early, but life just got in the way. By the time I walked through those familiar wooden doors, the congregation had already gathered in a circle near the front altar, and their voices were already rising in unison as they began praying the Holy Rosary. My heart sank a little at being late; I’d prepared myself to join in with everyone else, following the traditional mysteries we usually recite together on Saturdays. But seeing them already deep in prayer, heads bowed and hands clasped, I didn’t want to disrupt the peace they’d built in that moment.

Instead of squeezing into the circle or trying to catch up from behind, I quietly slipped into one of the old wooden pews near the side – the same one I always sit in when I come on weekdays, when the church is almost empty and I can count the people there on just my fingers (usually less than 10 of us, all spread out and lost in our own conversations with God). I thought about the Conversion of Sinners mystery I’d planned to focus on for my rosary today, but with time ticking away and Mass set to start soon, I knew I wouldn’t be able to finish the full rosary without feeling rushed. So I closed my eyes, held my rosary beads tight, and let my heart guide me to the Divine Mercy Chaplet instead. There’s something about those rhythmic prayers – "Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son..." – that always makes me feel centered, even when I’m short on time. Before I knew it, the opening hymn for Mass had begun, and I’d finished my prayer, feeling calm and connected despite the change in plans.

But there was something else weighing on me as I sat there – a small glass bottle of extra virgin olive oil I’d made myself for anointing. I’d spent time blessing it carefully at home, following the prayers I’d learned, and I’d brought it with me hoping to pour some over one of the holy statues in the church. On weekdays, when it’s quiet and I can take my time, I’d have no problem approaching the statues with reverence and doing what I’d planned. But today was different – Sunday morning meant the church was packed, with people filling every pew and even standing along the walls. Every time I glanced toward the statues near the entrance, there were families taking photos, elderly parishioners lighting candles, and ushers guiding people to seats. The thought of walking up there with my bottle of oil in front of so many strangers made my cheeks warm with shyness. I kept telling myself "maybe in a few minutes, when it’s less crowded," but the moments kept passing by, and I never found the courage to stand up and do it.

Then came the offertory part of Mass – the time when parishioners line up to bring their donations to the altar. I’ve seen all kinds of offerings over the years: envelopes with money, bags of rice, canned goods, even fresh fruits. But today, I saw something that made me stifle a quiet laugh – one person was carrying a small cardboard box, and when they set it down on the altar steps, I could clearly see it was filled with about 15 fresh eggs, all neatly arranged in egg trays. I’d never in my life seen someone donate eggs to the church! I whispered to myself, "Well, if eggs are okay, then surely my anointing oil would be too!" In that moment, I almost stood up and grabbed my bottle from my bag, but that familiar shyness crept back in. I watched as the ushers helped carry the box of eggs to the side room where donations are kept, and before I knew it, the line had ended and Mass had moved on to the next part. Once again, I’d let my nervousness stop me from doing what I’d come to do.

By the time Mass ended and I was walking home, my mind was still turning over what had happened. I kept thinking about how the parish must go through so much anointing oil – for baptisms, confirmations, anointing of the sick, and all the other sacraments we celebrate throughout the year. The small bottle I’d brought today was only 100ml, but I realized they probably need far more than that to keep up with all their needs. That’s when I made up my mind – I’m not going to let shyness hold me back next time. I have two more 100ml bottles of blessed extra virgin olive oil at home, and I’m going to bring all three with me to church this coming Sunday. I’ll find the right moment, maybe approach one of the priests or sisters first to ask where I should place it, so I don’t feel self-conscious. After seeing those eggs today, I know that every offering made with love and sincerity is welcome in God’s house – whether it’s food, money, or something I’ve prepared with my own hands.

I’m already looking forward to next Sunday now. I’ll make sure to get there early, say my prayers with the congregation, and then proudly bring my oil to offer to the parish. Maybe I’ll even bring a small note explaining what it is, so others know it’s for the church’s anointing needs. God knows we all need a little extra blessing sometimes, and if my oil can help bring comfort or grace to someone in need, then it’s the least I can do.

P.S. I think I’ll also make a point to ask one of the parish volunteers what other kinds of donations they could use – if eggs are helpful, maybe there are other everyday things I can bring to support our church community too.

Until Next Time,

Yuna