Bangalore, March 30, 2023: As it is customary towards the end of the 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.
“We the priests are blessed in a special way. People come to take our blessings not because we’re learned or intelligent but because our hands are anointed with holy oils. A priest has a healing power in him because of his consecration. Therefore, we must become salt of the earth to be add a taste in spiritual lives of people and become light to dispel their spiritual darkness,” the metropolitan archbishop added.
Priests 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. C. Francis, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Bangalore, on behalf of the priests of the Archdiocese wished the Archbishop as he was also celebrating the 17th anniversary of his episcopal ordination. Msgr. S. Jayanathan, Vicar General of the Archdiocese presented the Archbishop with a bouquet. The Chrism Mass was telecasted live on the Official Archdiocesan YouTube Channel.