Oils Are Blessed, Priests Renew Vows at Diocesan Chrism Mass

Date: April 17, 2014
By: Thomas Mark

As we come to the end of Lent, white-robed priests from across northern Illinois gathered together today at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rockford to celebrate a special Mass. The Chrism Mass, held every year on Holy Thursday, is one of the only settings in which priests from all over the 11 county Diocese are gathered in one place. It is also a time for them to recommit themselves to the priesthood.

"We are reminding ourselves of the gift of the priesthood, the gift of our priests, and the gift of their presence at our parishes", said Bishop David J. Malloy. "Brothers, you have my prayers…and my humble thanks as well."

During this elaborate Chrism Mass, Bishop Malloy also blessed the three main oils for use in sacraments throughout the diocese. The oil of catechumens, the oil of the infirm and holy chrism will be used for the next year in all baptisms, confirmations, anointing of the sick and ordinations.

Click Here for Photos from Holy Thursday  

Click here for more information about Holy Thursday and the Chrism Mass

Click here to watch this year’s Chrism Mass     Click Here to Listen to Bishop's Homily from the Chrism Mass

Click Here to Listen to Bishop's Homily from Holy Thursday Night - The Lord's Supper