Journey to Easter: What is the Chrism Mass?
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart was filled with worshippers on the evening of April 14 for the annual Chrism Mass. The opening of the liturgy was jubilant, even festive, as hundreds of Catholic priests processed into the sacred space, parishioners and family members waving to them from the crowd. Later, another procession took place, with a long line of lay people bringing oils to the sanctuary for blessing by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R.
But what exactly is the Chrism Mass, and why is it only celebrated in the cathedral?
“A people set apart for a mission”
The Chrism Mass is a key moment in the life of the local church. Clergy, religious, and laypeople gather to recognize their unity, which is guaranteed by the presence of their bishop. For this reason, each diocese has only one Chrism Mass each year, and it is celebrated in the diocesan cathedral.
It is the moment when the people of God are reminded of and strengthened in their mission to share His love with the world.
As Cardinal Tobin explained in his homily:
“My dear Brothers and Sisters, in this celebration of the Eucharist, as in every Mass, the bread and wine are the principal symbols. They, by the grace of God and the love of Jesus, become the Body and Blood of our Savior. In this Mass, another symbol is very prominent, that of the holy oils, which symbolize not only the sacramental life of the Church, but also the mission of all of us who have been anointed in the sacrament of Baptism, which has made us a priestly people, a holy nation, a people set apart for a mission.”
As in every Catholic diocese around the world, three oils were brought forward by ministers and blessed by the archbishop.
- The oil of the sick is used to anoint those who are suffering in mind or body.
- The oil of catechumens is used for anointing before Baptism.
- The oil of chrism is used for anointing after Baptism, for the Sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Orders, to consecrate bishops, to consecrate new churches, and to bless altars and vessels that are used during the Sacrifice of the Mass.
As you will see on the livestream, a large amount of oil was blessed, since it will be used by every parish in the Archdiocese of Newark this year.
Renewal of priestly promises
Present at the Chrism Mass were priests from across the Archdiocese of Newark. Many parishioners, friends, and family members also came to the Cathedral in a show of support and appreciation. After the homily, the priests stood. Cardinal Tobin addressed them, asking if they were “prepared to renew in the presence of your bishop and God’s holy people the promises you once made?”
“I am,” they replied in unison.
The priests then renewed the promises made at their ordinations to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and carry out their sacred duties faithfully, “not seeking any gain, but moved only by the zeal for souls.”
Cardinal Tobin then asked the assembly to “please pray for your priests, that the Lord may pour out his gifts abundantly upon them, and keep them faithful as ministers of Christ the High Priest, so that they may lead you to him who is the source of salvation.”
“Christ hear us. Christ, graciously hear us,” people replied.
“And please pray also for me,” the Cardinal continued “that I may be faithful to the apostolic office entrusted to me in my lowliness and that in your midst I may be made, day by day, a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher, and the Servant of all.”
The people of the Archdiocese of Newark will now enter the most solemn days of the Church year as we follow Jesus on the road to Calvary and eagerly await his Resurrection.
You may see more images of the 2025 Chrism Mass at this link, watch a highlight of the celebration below, or view the livestream of the entire Mass.
Featured image: Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin blesses the oil of chrism at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark, N.J. (Photos by Archdiocese of Newark/Julio Eduardo Herrera)
