In the time of Jesus, many kinds of water purifications were practiced. A ritual washing was required before eating.
Christian baptism is more than a cleansing. Baptism signifies a dying (i.e. drowning) to one way of living and rising to a new way of life
The use of the white garment at baptism dates back to the early days of Christianity.
After those who had been baptized from the baptismal pool, each was clothed in a new white garment.
The white garment symbolized their new life.
In cathedrals around the world, Bishops bless the holy oils at the Chrism Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday. These sacramental oils are:
a) The Oil of Catechumens
b) The Oil of the Sick
c) The Oil of the Chrism
After the Chrism Mass, each Parish receives a portion of each blessed oil.
