Chrism Mass unites archdiocese

Priests, laity stream from all over to bring home the holy oils

By RENATO GANDIA
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

It is not every day that he gets to represent his parish to receive the blessed oils and the consecrated chrism that will be used in celebrating the sacraments.

"The celebration was very impressive," Hodge, who came to the basilica for the first time, told the WCR.

From Jasper to Lloydminster, from Grande Cache to Olds, the laity and the clergy of the Archdiocese of Edmonton gathered to join Archbishop Thomas Collins in blessing the oils and consecrating the chrism.

"This is a great celebration in our family of faith," Collins told a packed basilica at the Chrism Mass. "All of us come together, united in the presence of the Lord."

In explaining the significance of the oils and chrism, Collins said "We are anointed with oil as a symbol of our struggle . . . to strengthen the body and to renew life."

The chrism is the sign of the power of the Holy Spirit, he added.

"It is the sign of the power and mission given to all of us when we are baptized. And we must use this God-given power and mission in different ways to show the compassionate presence of the Lord in our lives."

Collins also underscored in his homily how the people share in the priesthood of Christ by virtue of Baptism.

Shared with every baptized person, the priesthood of Jesus Christ "is the light that shines in our dark world."

When we are baptized, Christ sends us to be the healing and compassionate presence of God in this world, Collins said.

"This is a great celebration in our family of faith." - Archbishop Thomas Collins

"We do this day by day by showing love and understanding to people around us."

At the Mass, Collins, retired Archbishop Joseph MacNeil and 92 priests renewed their commitment to priestly service.

The archbishop urged the people to pray that all Christians be patient and dedicated in the service of the Lord.

"Pray for those whom God called to the ordained ministry that they may truly be the compassionate presence of Christ for the people."

He also repeatedly asked the people to pray for more vocations to the priesthood, religious life and lay ministry.

Before Collins blessed the oils and consecrated the chrism, he explained that the sweet smelling chrism signifies the Holy Spirit, the gift of Christ, who is the anointed one.

Three kinds of oils were blessed at the Mass: Oil of the Catechumens, the first oil used in Baptism; Oil of the Sick, used in Anointing of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism, which is used in Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders.

These oils were later distributed to the representatives and pastors of different parishes.

Mary Tremblett of Grande Cache attended the celebration for the second time representing Holy Cross Parish.

"It was a wonderful celebration. It's just wonderful to see all the priests. It was really moving."

Tremblett loved the music. "It gave you shivers, goose bumps. It was really very emotional seeing the whole archdiocese come together to celebrate our faith."

This year, the choir was not positioned at the altar behind the clergy. They occupied a space on the left and right sides of the church with the congregation. This was to invite more active participation from the people in singing the hymns.

Donna Gamache of Stettler, said the celebration was awesome. "Seeing all the priests of the diocese . . . the choir . . . the whole celebration . . . the worship part of it."

Navy Lt. (Rev) Melchor Talan commented, "It is always good to witness the gathering of the priests and the laity as a sign of communion and community, praising and worshipping God and celebrating the Paschal Mystery."

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