It is one of the most important moments of Holy Week: when the sacred oils used for the administration of certain Sacraments are blessed for the coming year.
In this Eucharistic celebration, there are three different types of oils that are blessed: the oil of the sick, used in the Anointing of the Sick; the oil of catechumens, used for the Sacrament of Baptism; and the Holy Chrism oil, a mixture of oil and perfume used in baptism, confirmation, and priestly ordination.
This unique celebration illustrates the unity among all priests and their bishop—in this particular case, the Bishop of Rome.
POPE LEO XIV
ORIGINAL ITALIAN
In this first year in which I preside over the Chrism Mass as Bishop of Rome, I wish to reflect with you on the mission to which God consecrates us as His people. It is the Christian mission, the same as that of Jesus, not another.
Pope Leo XIV addressed all the priests who were present, reminding them of the mission to which they have been called in their priestly vocation.
POPE LEO XIV
ORIGINAL ITALIAN
We know that being sent entails, first of all, a detachment—that is, the risk of leaving what is familiar and certain in order to venture into the new.
In the first Chrism Mass he presided over as pope, Leo XIV took advantage of the occasion to recall the path to which priests, religious men and women, and all Christians are called to travel in the life of faith with others.
POPE LEO XIV
ORIGINAL ITALIAN
Consequently, it is now essential to remember that neither in the pastoral sphere nor in the social and political sphere can good come from coercion. The great missionaries are witnesses of a gentle approach, whose method consists of sharing life, selfless service, the renunciation of any calculated strategy, dialogue, and respect.
A white tide flooded the interior of St. Peter’s Basilica just hours before the beginning of the Easter Triduum and during the Chrism Mass—it was the white from the albs of hundreds of priests who renewed the promises they made on the day of their ordination.
