Catholic Dictionary
Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
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BALSAM
An aromatic resin obtained from certain trees and used in some medicines and perfumes. It is one of the ingredients of chrism, along with olive oil, for the administration of the sacrament of confirmation and in ceremonies of public baptism. Balsam symbolizes the reception of grace to preserve oneself from the corruption of the world, and to send forth by a devout life the fragrance of Christian virtue.
