Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine

IC photo/Marie Mischel

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On April 11, Bishop Oscar A. Solis celebrated the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine. The Chrism Mass is a time when “the People of God gather as one, holy, catholic and apostolic church, united in faith and mission as disciples of Christ,” the bishop said in his homily. The celebration is “a sign of unity among all the priests, deacons, consecrated women and men, and the faithful of the diocese with the bishop,” he said. He explained that the rites of the blessing of the oils and consecration of the Holy Chrism at the Mass are a continuation of a practice from Old Testament times, when oils were used by prophets and kings to sanctify altars for sacrifices to God, and to anoint kings. “The holy oils signify God’s grace and our share in the priestly, prophetic and kingly roles of Christ, the one true and high priest, the great teacher and the good shepherd of all God’s people,” Bishop Solis said. Another significant rite during the Chrism Mass is the renewal of promises by the priests, who reaffirm the promises they took on the day of their ordination to the sacred order. In addition, members of religious orders and the laity renew their baptismal promises. “This is a special occasion for us to seek God’s grace for the gift of our ministry, and to thank him for the opportunity and the privilege to be of service to him and his people,” Bishop Solis said.