Rorate Caeli has a couple of paragraphs from the Holy Father’s reflections on the meaning of the chrisms. The website also has a great photo of Spanish soldiers carrying a large crucifix in procession and singing with much animus.
“A further aspect of the symbolism of oil is that it strengthens for battle. This does not contradict the theme of peace, but forms part of it. The battle of Christians consisted – and still consists – not in the use of violence, but in the fact that they were – and are – ready to suffer for the good, for God.” More can be read here.
