‘Consecrated in Truth’: The Annual Chrism Mass

Ancient rituals. Dramatic symbols of unity and grace. Priests gathered from across the Diocese, recommitting themselves to their life’s ministry. A bishop, whose words and actions both teach and bless.

These are but some of the elements that defined the annual Chrism Mass –one of the most solemn and significant liturgies in the Church year – which unfolds during Holy Week in dioceses around the world.

More than 1,000 members of the diocesan family filled St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold for this special Mass April 3. Hundreds more of the faithful watched the Mass via livestream from their homes across Burlington, Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

Communicants stood witness as Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., blessed the holy oils to be used in the sacramental ministry of priests and deacons in the churches of the Diocese throughout the coming year. Those in attendance also expressed appreciation when all of the priests stood before Bishop O’Connell to renew the promises they made at Ordination and recommit themselves to their priestly vocation in service to God’s people.

In his homily, Bishop O’Connell explained that he blesses the Oil of Catechumens that is used to initiate the people into God’s Church and the Oil of the Sick that is used to comfort those who suffer on their path to God. The Bishop noted that he consecrates the Sacred Chrism which is used to baptize, confirm, ordain and to “make places of worship holy” as in the consecration of church altars.

Bishop O’Connell also reminded the faithful that as Catholic Christians they must be rooted in the truth of Christ:

“My sisters and brothers, it is the Lord Jesus Christ who made us his Church, a community of believers, reborn in water, confirmed in the Spirit, nourished by his Body and Blood, anointed to serve him in one another, consecrated in truth.

“. . . the Christian must learn the truth, believe the truth, share the truth, live the truth – not as the world or society suggest but as Christ and his Church say.”

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Bishop O’Connell breathes over the vessel containing the Sacred Chrism which is used for the celebration of Baptisms, Confirmations, ordinations of priests and bishops and the consecration of altars.

Representatives from parishes carry the baskets and vessels containing the Holy Oils that were blessed and consecrated during the Chrism Mass.

Priests of the Diocese listen to Bishop’s homily during the Chrism Mass.