Like the Chrism oil, we too can become extraordinary through Christ, Cardinal says (Video, photos)
In an expression of the unity of the priesthood and the sacrifice of Christ, Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark; the auxiliary bishops, and the priests of the Archdiocese of Newark celebrated the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark on March 26.
Chrism refers to the Holy oil used by the priests at baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and the blessing of churches and altars. It is made of olive oil and is scented with a sweet perfume, usually balsam.
The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and important liturgies of the Church year. During Holy Week, priests of the Archdiocese publicly renew their commitment to their priestly service. It is also when the Holy Chrism oil used for sacraments and rituals is consecrated. Other oils are blessed too, including the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens, which is used in preparatory celebrations for the baptism of adults or older children.
The Mass was concelebrated by Auxiliary Bishops Manuel A. Cruz; Elias R. Lorenzo, O.S.B.; Michael A. Saporito; and Gregory J. Studerus as well as Abbot Augustine J. Curley, O.S.B. Deacon Andrew Rubinich, who will be ordained in May, served at the Mass. Over 400 priests of the Archdiocese of Newark processed into the church to the tune of “Highland Cathedral,” filling one side of the church. The faithful filled the other side for the two-hour Mass.
The reading was from Isaiah 61:1: “The Lord has anointed me; He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor and to give them oil of gladness.”
The Gospel reading was from Luke 4 when Jesus began His ministry and read from the prophet Isaiah at the Temple: “The spirit of the Lord is upon me because He has anointed me.”
In his homily, Cardinal Tobin invited the faithful to travel to the part of the world that gave flesh to the word of God and another gift — olives. The people of the region, he said, are “afloat” in olive oil. It was used in the making of bread and other cooking; as a fuel for lamps; and as a healing agent in medicine. It’s a marvelous thing given its many uses, yet it couldn’t be more common, Cardinal Tobin said.
“It’s in most countries. It’s in every kitchen, on every table. So, the oil we bless this evening is nothing but ordinary. Yet once we bless it in the name of God and the power of the spirit, the oil becomes not magical, but extraordinary. It becomes the oil of the sacraments,” Cardinal Tobin said. “Like the oil, we too are ordinary, created by God, but the stuff of the earth. We are dust returning to dust yet once the spirit has breathed in us, and we are incorporated in Christ, Christ the anointed, and we become extraordinary.”
Cardinal Tobin said Jesus’ anointment by the spirit and His mediation is forever. And that blessings are for all.
“And if we as Church are incorporated into Christ by the spirit’s anointing, then we are to mediate the blessing to everyone and forever, no one excluded,” Cardinal Tobin told the priests. “The good news is for all the poor, not just the supposedly deserving. The healing is for all the broken hearts no matter however they were broken, even if heartbreak is self-inflicted.”
During the renewal of priestly promises, Cardinal Tobin asked the priests three questions: “Beloved sons, on the anniversary of that day when Christ our Lord conferred his priesthood on his apostles and on us, are you resolved to renew, in the presence of your bishop and God’s holy people, the promises you once made?
“Are you resolved to be more united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him, denying yourselves and confirming those promises about sacred duties towards Christ’s Church which, prompted by love of Him, you willingly and joyfully pledged on the day of your priestly ordination?
“Are you resolved to be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God in the Holy Eucharist and the other liturgical rites and to discharge faithfully the sacred office of teaching, following Christ the head and shepherd, not seeking any gain, but moved only by zeal for souls?”
The priests responded, “I am.”
The faithful were then asked to pray for their priests, the cardinal, and the bishops.
The holy oils were blessed by Cardinal Tobin and distributed to representatives of each parish. The oils will be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders throughout the year.
