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Holy Oils Blessed at Annual Chrism Mass
The annual Chrism Mass was held Tuesday, March 18 at Saint Michael the Archangel in Cary. The liturgy, celebrated in Holy Week, is a gathering of our Diocesan family, with representatives present from every parish and mission church.
It is at this Mass the Bishop blesses the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of Chrism. All three oils form an important part of the sacramental life of our parish communities throughout the year. At the conclusion of the Mass, the Bishop presents the oils to a member of each community to take back to the parish.
During the Chrism Mass, the Priests serving in the Diocese of Raleigh reaffirmed their commitment to the Church and to Christ in a Renewal of Priestly Commitment. The Mass brings into focus the tradition of the Priesthood and shows the bond of Priests with their Bishop.
Due to an illness, The Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge was unable to attend the Mass. Bishop-Emeritus F. Joseph Gossman presided at the liturgy.
In his prepared homily, Bishop Burbidge wrote of “the great love the Lord our God has for each one of us, the love that sustains us in hope.”
He reflected upon several signs of hope that will be manifested by the blessing of the Chrism and oils; noting the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, the Oil of the Sick and the Chrism that will be used to anoint two new Priests for the Diocese in June.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge addressed his brother-priests. “You are well aware that you have been ordained in the person of Jesus Christ,” the Bishop wrote. “The Church invites you today to remember that your identity is profoundly unique: You are ordained in the person of Christ. You are the manifestation of Christ present as Head of his Church today,” the Bishop added.
“Today Christ thanks you for your perseverance and fidelity,” the Bishop continued. “The People of God, by their presence here today, reflect their great esteem and reverence for the Priesthood, and assure you dear brothers, of their constant prayerful support.”
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Above: Jars of Chrism and oil prior to their being blessed at annual Chrism Mass celebrated at Saint Michael the Archangel Church in Cary.
Below: Priests of the Diocese taking part in Chrism Mass during which they renewed their commitment to service.
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