Question:
Answer:
The Church’s statements about the reservation of the holy oils are very general:
The pastor is to obtain the holy oils from his own bishop and is to preserve them diligently with proper care (Code of Canon Law 847 §2).
The consecrated oil of chrism for initiation, ordination, and the dedication of churches, as well as the blessed oils of the sick and of catechumens, are traditionally housed in a special place called an ambry or repository. These oils consecrated or blessed by the bishop at the Mass of Chrism deserve the special care of the community to which they have been entrusted. The style of the ambry may take different forms. A parish church might choose a simple, dignified, and secure niche in the baptistry or in the wall of the sanctuary or a small case for the oils. Cathedrals responsible for the care of a larger supply of the oils need a larger ambry. Since bright light or high temperatures can hasten spoilage, parishes will want to choose a location that helps to preserve the freshness of the oil (USCCB’s Built on Living Stones).
The oils used for the celebration of the sacraments of initiation, holy orders, and anointing of the sick according to ancient tradition are reverently reserved in a special place in the church. This repository should be secured and protected by a lock” (Book of Blessings, 1125).
As long as the reservation of the holy oils is dignified, secure, and does not accelerate spoilage, it does not matter if the “display light” is on or off.