By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Bishop of every diocese traditionally concelebrates Chrism Mass with his priests, a time when they also renew their ordination promises witnessed by the Church community.
Because of the Covid pandemic, the last Chrism Mass of the Archdiocese of Kuching was celebrated in October 2020, with only 20 people physically present to represent the lay faithful, religious, bishops and priests. All others had to attend the Mass live-streamed from St Joseph’s Cathedral.
On 4 April 2022, although restrictions to church capacity had been lifted, the Church for the sake of safety, decided to limit attendance to bishops, priests, religious, and only parish councillors representing the parish community throughout the Archdiocese of Kuching. The Mass was also live-streamed from the Cathedral.
Kuching Archbishop Simon Poh, in his opening communication said people associate Chrism Mass with blessing of chrism oil and oils of the sick and catechumens. However, it is also a time for “praying for priests who will renew their ordination promises.”
By our baptism and confirmation, we are all anointed as God’s priestly, prophetic and kingly people. It is “among the baptised, some are called to the priesthood to be ordained as priests to celebrate the Mass and Sacraments.”
“Chrism Mass,” he said, “is the clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ which continues to be made, to be present in the Church.”
Renewal of Priestly Promises
At the renewal of Priestly Promises, Archbishop Simon asked the congregation to “pray for your Priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest, so that they may lead you to him, who is the source of salvation.”
He continued, “And pray also for me, that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made day by day a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and the Servant of all.”
Blessing of Oils and Consecration of the Chrism
At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, before the Doxology, the Oil of the Sick was placed on a small table before the Altar, where the Archbishop blessed the Oil of the Sick.
The Blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and Consecration of the Chrism took place after the Post-Communion Prayer. All the concelebrating priests were invited to extend their right hand towards the Chrism during the consecration prayer.
Rectors from the respective parishes each received a container of the oils, thereby entrusting them to administer the Sacraments to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Archbishop Simon Poh thanked everyone for their prayers for him and all priests, concluding the Mass by asking Archbishop Emeritus Peter Chung and all the priests to join him in giving the final blessing.
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