 |
|
|
Chrism Mass: Oils blessed, promises renewed
By John Gleason
A standing room only crowd of faithful joined more than 145 priests and 45 deacons for the 2011 chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception April 19. The annual Mass includes the blessing of sacred oils, the renewal of promises by priests and recognition of priests celebrating jubilee anniversaries of ordination.
Main celebrant of the Mass was Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. Concelebrants included Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley, who served as the homilist, and Msgr. Thomas Fryar, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Archdiocese of Denver.
Catholic school students who are to be confirmed this year were represented as well as seventh-grade classes from All Souls, Notre Dame, St. Pius X and St. Louis in Englewood.
The oils the archbishop blessed were sacred chrism, which is used for baptism, confirmation and in the ordination of priests and bishops; the oil of catechumens, which is also used in baptism; and oil of the sick, which is used in the anointing of the sick.
In his homily, Bishop Conley welcomed those who are preparing to receive the sacrament of confirmation. He then highlighted the unique rites taking place at the Mass—the renewal of priestly promises and the blessing of the chrism and holy oils.
“These two acts are inextricably linked in the high priesthood of Jesus, in whose name we act as priest,” Bishop Conley said. “It is our privilege and duty to celebrate these sacraments for the sanctification of souls and the salvation of the world.”
Bishop Conley also spoke of next year’s chrism Mass, noting that it will be celebrated with the new English translation of the third edition of the Roman Missal. He praised the new edition of the missal as a significant and historic moment in the life of the Church.
“This new English translation of the missal will be the gift of our generation,” he asserted.
Preceding the blessing of the holy oils, the priests in attendance stood to renew their commitment to priestly service. Archbishop Chaput asked the priests if they, in the presence of God’s holy people, were ready to renew their dedication to Christ.
As a group the priests said they were.
“Are you resolved to unite yourselves more closely to Christ and try to become more like him by sacrificing your own pleasure and ambition to bring his peace and love to your brothers and sisters?” the prelate asked.
“I am,” was the response.
Then the archbishop asked the priests if they were resolved to be faithful ministers of the mysteries of God and to celebrate the Eucharist and the other liturgical services with sincere devotion.
A third time the group answered as one, “I am.”
Near the end of the Mass, Msgr. Edward Buelt, J.C.L., pastor of Our Lady of Loreto Parish in Foxfield and chairman of the Presbyteral Council, announced the names of the jubilarians.
Priests who are observing 60 years of service this year are: Father James Kane and Servite Father Gabriel Ramacciotti.
Marking 50 years of the priesthood are: Capuchin Father Blaine Burkey and Servite Father Timothy Kremen.
Celebrating 40 years of service to the Church are: Capuchin Father Charles Polifka, Capuchin Father Simeon Gallagher and Dominican Father Robert Staes.
Four priests are celebrating 25 years of priesthood: Msgr. Gregory Ames, V.F.; Dominican Father Thomas Lynch, Jesuit Father Raymond Gawronski and Father Marcus Medrano.
Assisting at the Mass were seminarians who were ordained to the diaconate just three days before: Deacons Joseph Donohoe, Brian Larkin, Samuel Morehead and Grzegorz Wojcik.
“I was happily intimidated to serve as a deacon for today’s chrism Mass,” said an elated Deacon Morehead. “It was a beautiful and rewarding experience, one I deeply enjoyed.”
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||