Blessing of oils at Chrism Mass ‘is a powerful expression of God’s infinite love for us and his redeeming grace,’ Bishop Solis says
SALT LAKE CITY — “What a beautiful moment to gather as a faith family in the presence of practically 100 percent of the priests of the diocese of Salt Lake City,” Bishop Oscar A. Solis said as he welcomed the people of God in the Diocese of Salt Lake City to the Chrism Mass on April 10 in the Cathedral of the Madeleine.
Among the concelebrants were Father John Evans, vicar general; Father Martin Diaz, rector of the cathedral; Father Bruno Rampazzo, Superior General of the Congregation of the Rogationists of the Heart of Jesus; Father Kenneth Vialpando, vicar for clergy; Father Langes Silva, judicial vicar; and Msgr. Colin F. Bircumshaw, vicar general emeritus. Many deacons assisted. Members of the laity filled the cathedral so that it was standing room only.
During the Mass, the bishop blessed and consecrated “the holy oils that will be used during celebration of the sacraments throughout the diocese during this coming year,” he said, speaking in English and Spanish.
“The oils will bring healing to the sick and suffering, strength to those seeking to become members of our faith community, the hallowing of our sacred spaces, and grace and courage to all who seek to follow Jesus as his missionary disciples,” he said. “As we celebrate the Eucharist tonight, we once again commit ourselves to our priestly, prophetic and royal ministries as the baptized faithful, and in a particular way, in the ministerial priesthood of priests and bishops.”
The readings for the Mass were Isaiah 61:1-3a, 6a and 8b-9; Revelations 1:5-8; and Luke 4:16-21.
“Today we celebrate with joy and gratitude the presence of our clergy – priests and deacons – as well as the laity, gathered around the altar with their bishop to celebrate the Eucharist, particularly at the Chrism Mass,” the bishop said as he began his homily. “This is not only an inspiring moment but perhaps one of the most visible signs of the Church instituted by Christ.”
During the Chrism Mass, having the priests concelebrate “is a manifestation of their communion with the bishop,” he said. “They will renew their vows of ordination, their promise of obedience to their bishop and his successors as well their fidelity to the Gospel and the magisterium of the Church, a sign of their affirmation to serve the people of God. And as their bishop, I will renew my own dedication as the shepherd of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.”
Reflecting on the Gospel reading, the bishop said the passage from Luke “reminds all of us of our dignity as anointed children of God and bearers of the good news of salvation as well. The ritual of the consecration of the sacred Chrism and the blessing of the oils, which will be distributed to all the parishes for the administration of the sacraments throughout the year, is a powerful expression of God’s infinite love for us and his redeeming grace. The sacred Chrism reminds our priests of the oil used for our ordination to the priesthood,” and also brought to mind their mission “to bring glad tidings to the poor,” he said.
Priests “not only represent the priesthood of Christ but act in his name – act in his name to celebrate the Eucharist and administer the sacraments, thus becoming instruments of God’s grace,” Bishop Solis said.
The bishop asked the congregation to “pray for our priests, religious and permanent deacons, that they live their vocations with joy and follow the footsteps of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and be ready to give up their lives for the ransom of others for the love of God.”
He also encouraged them to “go forth with renewed faith, embracing the mission of the Church and sharing our hope in Christ – a hope that does not disappoint. And may God help us transform and build a world into his own kingdom, a kingdom of joy, of love and peace.”
Following the homily was the renewal of priestly promises and the Rite of Blessing the Oils and Consecrating the Chrism.
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