MacNeil returns to bless the oils

Veteran archbishop makes brief foray out of retirement

- WCR photo by Ramon Gonzalez Archbishop Joseph MacNeil stirs the sacred chrism at the annual blessing of the oils.

By WHO
WCR Staff Writer
Edmonton

It's been eight years since Archbishop-emeritus Joseph MacNeil presided over the annual Chrism Mass at the start of Holy Week.

But with the transfer of Archbishop Thomas Collins to Toronto, MacNeil, who will be 83 on April 15, was pressed into service again.

MacNeil, who has been retired since 1999, said he agreed to conduct the blessing because only a bishop may consecrate chrism. Msgr. John Hamilton, the archdiocesan administrator, then presided over the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the 90-minute solemn celebration.

Collins' successor, Archbishop-elect Richard Smith, will be installed as Edmonton's new archbishop May 1.

Ageless MacNeil

During the April 2 Mass at St. Joseph's Basilica, the seemingly ageless MacNeil blessed three types of oil and oversaw the renewal of commitment to priestly service by more than 100 priests.

"Priests are called to be leaders of God's people (and to be) leaders of faith through example - all in the name of the person of Jesus Christ," MacNeil reminded the priests in front of a packed basilica. The archbishop also urged the congregation to support and pray for their priests.

- WCR photo by Ramon Gonzalez Msgr. John Hamilton, archdiocesan administrator, presided at the Eucharist at the Chrism Mass.

During the service, three large vessels of oil were brought into the basilica, placed on a table in front of the altar and incensed.

Hamilton's service

MacNeil then blessed and consecrated the oils - the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and the oil of chrism - all of which are used by parishes for sacramental celebrations throughout the year.

Catholics use the first oil for adult catechumens and infants, the second for anointing the sick, and the sacred oil of chrism for Baptism, Confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of altars.

Earlier in the service, MacNeil paid homage to Hamilton for the "wonderful service he has given to the archdiocese" as administrator. "He said 'yes' when the consultors appointed him administrator of the archdiocese. That's the way he's been all his life."

In his homily MacNeil said sacred oils are an integral part of our sacramental life and a sign of our special relationship with Jesus Christ, who was anointed with oil and used oil to anoint others.

When we use the oils "Jesus is sacramentally present with us," he said. "How awesome it is that God will use such a simple way to be with us."

And he said Jesus is present with us "to help us be transformed so that we and our Church and our world can be better."

What is it that Jesus wants from us? "That we be loving people like him and faithful disciples like him," MacNeil said, quoting Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict.

"This is the kind of people we are. We accept the responsibility of being more and more like Jesus Christ."

At the end of the service, Hamilton handed out small bottles of each of the three sacred oils to parish representatives from across the archdiocese.

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