Is it possible to use canola oil in church as an anointing oil?

Answer 1

This would depend on the traditions of each particular church. Among the denominations that use anointing oil in specific rites, olive oil may be preferred because of its known use in the Holy Land of the First Century. In other churches, particularly assemblies without formal liturgy, any convenient oil might be acceptable. But again, different congregations and pastors have different preferences.

Catholic Answer

Normally, in the Catholic Church only pure olive oil is used for the three Oils, although Sacred Chrism has fragrant balsam added to it. In an emergency, any priest may bless any pure vegetable oil, such as canola oil, to be used for the Sacrament of the Sick, if he does not have access to a stock of olive oil previously blessed by the Bishop.