Bishop Solis' Message on Chrism Mass

Photo 1 of 2

The Chrism Mass is one of the most important annual liturgical celebrations of our Church. Every year all the people of God in the diocese – the laity, religious men and women and the clergy – gather in unity with their bishop.

During the liturgy, each member of the entire assembly is called to renew his or her baptismal promises, and the clergy also renew their vow of obedience to the local bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. It is a special moment and a public celebration of unity of the bishop with the priests of the diocese, and the Church community as members of the Body of Christ, who is the head of the Church.

After the renewal of vows, the bishop blesses the Holy Oils – the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens (which is used in the Sacrament of Baptism) and Sacred Chrism (which is used in the Sacrament of Confirmation and the Sacrament of Holy Orders). After the Mass, these oils will be distributed throughout the diocese to carry out the Church’s mission to love and serve the people of God.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church (No. 1294) cites the importance of the oils: “Anointing with oil has all these meanings in the sacramental life. The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and Ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation, Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off ‘the aroma of Christ.’”

This year, the unity of Chrism Mass will have an even deeper resonance because we are in the midst of the Eucharistic Revival called for by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. This three-year movement is meant to enhance our understanding of and devotion to the Eucharist, which is a sacrament of unity within our Church.

When we attend Mass, we gather around the Eucharistic table to give praise and thanks to the Father and share the banquet of Christ’s sacrificial love. We do this at every Mass, but the Chrism Mass is unique because all the priests of the diocese will concelebrate with me, a manifestation of our close bond as brother priests and together with the people of God manifest who we are as a Church – one community, one Eucharist.

The Chrism Mass is an important occasion for all of us in the diocese to gather to show our unity as members of the Body of Christ. I invite you to attend the Mass at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on March 30, joining me and my fellow priests, the deacons and their wives, the religious and members of our faith community as we unite to praise and worship, to give thanks, and to receive the Eucharist, the source and summit of Christian life.

 Lenten blessings to all!

Editor’s Note: Bishop Oscar A. Solis will preside at the Chrism Mass at 6:30 p.m. on March 30 at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 309 E. South Temple, SLC.