Celebrating Priesthood: Archbishop presides over Chrism Mass

Bangalore, April 6th, 2022: As it is customary towards the end of Season of Lent, Archdiocesan Chrism Mass was celebrated in St. Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. A large number of secular and religious priests of the Archdiocese of Bangalore participated in the Mass of Chrisma presided over by Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and important liturgies of the Christian liturgical calendar. On Holy Thursday morning (in some dioceses it may be another morning during/before Holy Week), the Bishop, joined by the priests of the diocese, gather at the Cathedral to celebrate the Chrism Mass. This Mass manifests the unity of the priests with their Bishop. During this Mass the Holy Oils are consecrated or blessed. The Holy Oils are:

• Chrism – used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders, as well as for the consecration of altars and the dedication of churches.

• the Oil of catechumens (formerly known as the oil of exorcism)– also used in the sacrament of Baptism, and

• The Oil of the Sick – used only in the rite of the Anointing of the Sick.

Archbishop Peter Machado, speaking in his homily highlighted the importance of Chrism Mass and delineated its meaning and significance. The prelate also shed light on the priesthood, explaining how it is entwined in the blessing of oils, especially the Chrism Oil. “Today we celebrate priesthood. We may have been ordained on different dates but we are all called to be His priests… Why has God chosen us to be His priests? God has chosen us not because of our intelligence or that we are skilful; He has chosen us because of our foolishness and our sinfulness.” Archbishop said.

Archbishop Machado did not forget to include himself in saying “The bishop is first among the equals. I am one among you. Even I have my own sinfulness or shortcomings.” Recalling one of the anecdotes of Pope Francis, the prelate remembered when the Holy Father made a press statement “I am a sinner before God,” denoting that he, being the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church, did not hesitate to acknowledge his sinfulness before God.

Priests who were gathered for the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral renewed their commitment to priesthood and allegiance to their Bishop. Archbishop Machado blessed the oils traditionally before he imparted the final blessing.

Msgr. S. Jayanathan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, wished the Archbishop on behalf of the priests of the Archdiocese. Msgr. C. Francis, Vicar General of the Archdiocese presented the Archbishop with a bouquet. The Chrism Mass was telecasted live on the Official Archdiocesan YouTube Channel.

Mr. Ajay

PRO office, AOB