During Chrism Mass, unity is celebrated, holy oils blessed

Friday, Apr. 03, 2015

SALT LAKE CITY — The blessing and consecration of the holy oils that will be used in the sacraments throughout the coming year, and the renewal of commitment to service by the ordained, religious and laity of the Diocese of Salt Lake City were celebrated at the annual Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of the Madeleine March 26.

In his homily, Bishop John C. Wester compared the waves and dangerous rip tides of the Pacific Ocean to the Spirit of the Lord above the water, moving the water. 

The bishop, who often viewed the ocean while growing up in San Francisco, said, “the water was constantly moving. It’s not difficult to take this a step further to see the oils, which we bless and consecrate  – the oil of the catechumens, the infirm and the Chrism – being moved by the spirit, and moving us throughout this liturgical year, bringing unity.”

The Chrism Mass is not part of Lent or the Triduum, and yet its significance moves the Church into the Paschal Mystery, Bishop Wester said. “There is a sense of movement from us that reaches out to every parish, Catholic school and community throughout the liturgical year, especially for the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, the Sick and Holy Orders,” he said.

Another movement is that of the priests, “those anointed with holy oil as they renew their ordination promises and deepen their commitment to be bearers of the mystery of God in our lives,” Bishop Wester said. “It is the task of the priest to reconcile differences, to be defenders of the common good with which they are charged in the name of the bishop. There is a unity between the priests and the bishop; a unity that goes both ways.”

Speaking to the priests, the bishop said, “My ministry is to be formed by you. This bond reposes a responsibility: You are called within the bounds of charity to set an example for me … and I am filled with gratitude for the ways in which you constantly call me to be one with you.”

The priests are often aware of their differences of places of origins and cultures, theological perspectives and other factors, Bishop Wester said, so “it is critically important as priests that you have an intentionality of being one,” he said. “It’s not simply the new or international priests who must learn our ways; it is all of us who must learn each other’s ways so that we can grow together.”

Priests must also “listen to the laity, recognize their experience and competence in the different areas so that together they will be able to recognize the signs of the times,” Bishop Wester said. “We have such wonderful brothers and sisters who respect and are grateful for their priests.”

Bishop Wester asked the laity to “pray for your priests that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, so that they may lead you to him who is the source of salvation.”

Priests also are called to be formed by the people of God spiritually, psychologically and emotionally; they are not in charge or bosses, but are called to listen to the religious and laity, the deacons and their wives in their mission, the bishop  said. 

During the Mass, the deacons and their wives also stood to recommit themselves to the service of God’s holy people, as did the religious women serving in the diocese in the charisms of their communities.

The laity recommitted themselves to service to advance God’s kingdom in the world by means of their families and places of work, sharing in the priesthood of all the leaders. 

Unity is one of the great gifts given by the Lord Jesus, and at the same time, one of the greatest challenges, Bishop Wester said. “We see so much disunity, discord and disease in our world, our country, our communities and even in our Church, but we are called out of this division and into unity through our baptism,” he said.

“By God’s mercy, may we all continue faithful service to the Lord, embracing his cross, giving ever greater witness to his saving love,” Bishop Wester said. 

The oils to be blessed were then brought forth by deacons accompanied by participants in various diocesan ministries.

The oils were blessed so that “they might go, in the words of Pope Francis, ‘to the poor, the prisoners and the sick, for those who are sorrowing, and alone,’” Bishop Wester said. “Our people are to experience these oils as the fragrance of Christ.”