Bishop Francisco De Leon D.D., initiating the rites of blessing of the holy oil during the Chrism Mass at Antipolo Cathedral. (PHOTO: Arnel Yango/ Aranzazu Media Ministry)
Every year, the Catholic Church celebrates the Chrism mass in the morning of Holy Thursday. The Chrism Mass is normally lead by the Bishop to consecrate the chrism oil which is used during the institution of the Holy Sacrament.
This tradition is rooted in the early Church as noted in the Gelasian Sacramentary (named after Pope Gelasius I), but was later absorbed into the Holy Thursday evening Mass; Pope Pius XII issued a new Ordinal for Holy Week, which re-instituted a special Mass of the chrism distinct from the evening Mass.
In religious practices, the Jews also used oil to offer sacrifices to dedicate a memorial stone in honor of God that clearly shows the use of oil was a part of the daily life of the people. Sacred Scripture also attests to the spiritual symbolism of oil.
The early Church adopted the use of olive oil for its sacramental rituals. There are three (3) kinds of oils the bishop blesses: The oil of catechumens that is used for Exorcism, the oil of the infirm which used in the sacrament of the anointing of the sick, and finally, the Holy Chrism oil, used for the sanctification of individuals.
The Chrism mass symbolizes oneness with Jesus Christ. It is an altogether important celebration because it serves as a renewal of the unity of bishops and priests. The priests from our Diocese of Antipolo recite their renewal of vows during the celebration of Chrism Mass at Antipolo Cathedral. The newly blessed holy oils will be brought to individual parishes before the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper.
As Bishop Francis De Leon blesses the oil for this year’s chrism mass, let us thank the Lord for sending us these oils to become an instrument of his loving mercy and grace. Let us also pray for our bishops and priests that they may continue to administer the sacraments and become a faithful servant of God through the church. (Christian Robles & Kristine Tuting)
(SOURCE: https://catholicexchange.com)
Christian Jasper Robles
Senior Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
Christian is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Colegio de San Juan de Letran. He is a member of the writer’s team of Aranzazu Media and Public Information Ministry. A singer, performer, writer, church servant, and a Marian devotee. Currently, he is the secretary of Association of Our Lady of Aranzazu- Cofradia and member of Avant-Garde Singers. Passionate about writing different local religious traditions and Mariology matters; Christian is strongly dedicated in promoting and propagating the devotion to Our Lady of Aranzazu.
