By Sibu Soccom
SIBU (20 March) — More than 2,500 parishioners gathered for the Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral tonight, bearing witness to the renewal of Priestly Vows. Bishop of Sibu Joseph Hii celebrated the Mass with 26 concelebrant priests from the 12 parishes throughout the Diocese of Sibu.
Chrism Mass is a manifestation of the fullness of the Bishop’s priesthood and is a sign of the close bond of him and his priests.
During the opening procession, the people of God were seen dressed in traditional costumes, accompanied by the sound of traditional music and dancing in bringing forward the vessel of fragrances, Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick and Oil of the Chrism.
Each of these oils are rich in its catechesis:
The Oil of Catechumens is used for the catechumens to prepare themselves for Baptism: “It extends the effect of the baptismal exorcisms; it strengthens the candidate with the power to renounce the devil and sin before they go to the fount of life for rebirth.”
The Oil of the Sick is used for anointing of the sick to comfort them in their infirmity.
The high point of the liturgy tonight was the consecration of the sacred Chrism Oil.
Bishop Hii was seen breathing upon the opening of the vessel of the Chrism, which is a sign of the Holy Spirit. This action by the Bishop recalled the Spirit of God “moving over the face of the waters” at creation (Gen 1:12) and Jesus’ resurrection appearance to the disciples in which he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22).
Then, Bishop Hii consecrated the Chrism Oil, which will be used to anoint the newly baptised during their Baptism and the confirmed during their Confirmation.
In his homily, the Bishop reminded the parishioners that Chrism Mass is not only for the priests, it is for all baptised who were anointed by the Holy Spirit.
He reminded all the baptised of their Baptismal call, synonymous with a call to serve all of humanity, creation and God; it celebrates who we are.
Like the Patron Saint of Dreamers, St Joseph, we are also called to be great dreamers of bringing the good news to the whole of humanity, to bring joy and freedom to the world.
