Q: Which of the Pre- and Post-Baptismal anointings are still part of the Easter Vigil?
A: Historically, there have been various anointings of the catechumens and elect prior to Baptism and various anointings of the neophytes after Baptism. The number of anointings in the current OCIA varies depending on the age of the elect and the pastoral circumstances.
In the Apostolic Tradition, formerly attributed to St. Hippolytus, three anointings are recorded: (1) The bishop anointed the elect after their apotaxis (renunciation of Satan) using the oil of exorcism. (2) After the threefold Baptism, the bishop anointed the neophytes with the oil of thanksgiving, saying, “I anoint you with the holy oil in the name of Jesus Christ.” The neophytes would then wipe themselves and get dressed. (3) The bishop would lay his hands on them and pour the oil of thanksgiving a second time, saying, “I anoint you with holy oil in God the Father almighty and Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit.” Having then signed their foreheads, he would give them the kiss of peace. The first post-baptismal anointing is associated with the sacrament of Baptism, and the second is usually identified as the sacrament of Confirmation.
(1) Pre-Baptismal Anointing: During the period of the Catechumenate, the catechumens may be anointed with the oil of the catechumens by a priest or a deacon (OCIA, 98-103). The anointing of the catechumens is conferred at the end of a celebration of the Word of God and is only allowed in the periods of the Catechumenate and of Purification and Enlightenment (see OCIA, 33 and 100). The Order of Initiation of Children of a Catechetical Age prescribes the anointing with the oil of the catechumens during the Scrutinies or Penitential Rite (OCIA, 301). Because it is restricted to these periods of Christian Initiation, on Holy Saturday “it is to be omitted both in the Rites of Immediate Preparation and at the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation” (OCIA, 33.7).
While this anointing has been moved into the Catechumenate for adults and children of catechetical age, children who are not yet of catechetical age follow a different rule: “Before the celebration of the Easter Vigil, at a convenient time and place, the rite of receiving the child is carried out. At the end of this, if appropriate, the Liturgy of the Word is omitted, and the prayer of exorcism and the anointing with the Oil of the Catechumens takes its place” (The Order of Baptism of Children [OBC], 28, 32-51, and 72-88).
(2) First Post-Baptismal Anointing: The anointing with Chrism after Baptism is omitted when Confirmation is to be conferred. Confirmation can only be delayed for adults and children of catechetical age for “special” and “very serious” reasons (see OCIA, 215-216, 228, and 319). If Confirmation is delayed, the post-baptismal anointing follows directly after Baptism (see OCIA, 228 and 319). Children who are not yet of catechetical age are anointed immediately after their Baptism (OBC, 28 and 62).
(3) Second Post-Baptismal Anointing (Confirmation): For adults and children of catechetical age, the modern Roman liturgy preserves the custom that Confirmation follows directly after Baptism (see OCIA, 215 and 233ff.). Children who are not yet of catechetical age and who are baptized at the Easter Vigil are to be confirmed later at the normal time “between the age of discretion and about sixteen years of age, within the limits determined by the diocesan bishop” (Complementary Norm to can. 891, approved by the Apostolic See, August 21, 2001).
