Chrism Mass symbol of unity
Events
The Chrism Mass is an important moment to reflect during Holy Week.
On April 14, approximately 85 clergy and 500 people attended the Chrism Mass to witness the sacramental oils being consecrated and blessed.
Celebrated by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan, the Mass was also a time for priests to seek renewal of their commitment to priestly service.
As Dr Simone Brosig, pastoral leader, Community Life & Worship explained, the Chrism Mass takes place shortly before the Easter Triduum because the oil of the catechumens and chrism will be used for Christian initiation during the paschal feast. The consecration and blessing of oils is one of the Church’s final preparations for the Paschal Triduum.
More than 500 people attended the Chrism Mass to witness the sacramental oils being consecrated and blessed.
“The Chrism Mass is a symbol of the unity of the Church. The bishop, priests, and faithful celebrate together,” Dr Brosig said.
“It highlights the bond between the priests and the bishop as they renew their promises to the bishop. It also highlights the sacramental life of the church through the blessing of the oils and consecration of chrism which are used by the priests in the celebration of the sacraments.”
The whole assembly takes a full and active part in the celebration of the Chrism Mass in the cathedral. The bishop presides, the presbyters concelebrate, and the deacons, lay ministers, and assembled faithful participate according to their order and ability. The local Church is thus united on this occasion in its ministry of service through the preparation and distribution of oils that will be used in the sacramental life of the Church”.
The Mass includes a procession of the oils. The Oil of the Sick is for Christians whose health is seriously impaired by sickness or old age and is used with prayer for the Holy Spirit to ‘come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may be freed from pain and illness and made well again in body, mind and soul’.
The oil of the sick and oil of catechumens to be blessed and the oil to be consecrated for the holy chrism.
The Oil of the Catechumens is also blessed. This oil is used to ward off evil and give wisdom and strength to candidates for baptism, in a practice dating back to the third century.
Finally, the Oil of the Sacred Chrism is blessed. Chrism is a mixture of plant oil and fragrant balsam.
As detailed in the Mass program, ‘The Holy Chrism is used to anoint us all at baptism, consecrating us to share in the prophetic and royal priesthood of Jesus the Christ. Chrism is used to seal those to be confirmed with the Holy Spirit, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordination. Chrism is also used in the dedication of altars and churches.’
“The oils that are blessed in this one liturgy by the bishop are then sent out to all the parishes,” Dr Brosig said. “Further showing the unity.”
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