Lead Message
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Mass of the Chrism at the Cathedral
By Steve Neill
Of The Catholic Virginian
In what was most likely the largest crowd ever for the Mass of the Chrism at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on April 10, Bishop Francis X. DiLorenzo pointed out to the congregation of over 900 that people from the various regions had come “so that our sacramental ministries can be fulfilled.” “We are a sacramental church and we know that God is part of this ritual,” the bishop said.
Each year in the early part of Holy Week two oils used by priests throughout the year are blessed at the liturgy known as the Mass of the Chrism. These oils are the Oil of the Infirm used for the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens used for those to be baptized.
A third Oil of Chrism is consecrated and is used for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders (ordination). “What does it signify?” the bishop asked rhetorically. “There is life and salvation, something vital is happening in Baptism and Confirmation,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “But how effective are these encounters in your life? With that in mind, we have a plan and that plan lies in part in you,” Bishop DiLorenzo asserted.
 Pointing out that he will soon mark his second anniversary as Bishop of Richmond, he said he had initially discovered through the document “We’ve Come This Far by Faith” what the people in the diocese said they valued about their parishes.
Among the points they valued were community, proclamation of the Word, worship and service to the poor. The first document was succeeded by a second one, “We Walk by Faith,” which is meant as a model of ministry in the diocese.
“I now need to come out as your bishop to hear directly from you, the lay faithful, whether it’s working or not,” Bishop DiLorenzo said. “We want you to be sure the resources you need to grow closer to Jesus are available to you.” Questions that need to be answered are: “Are you growing closer to Jesus under your shepherd and your pastor? And “Are we doing what we are expected to be doing on your behalf?”
 In his previous experience in two other dioceses (Scranton and Honolulu) Bishop DiLorenzo said there was a positive response from the laity when these questions were asked. He expressed the hope that “there will be good news for our priests and there will be good news about our priests.”
In conclusion, Bishop DiLorenzo told those who were preparing to be baptized and others to be received into the full sacramental life of the Church at the Easter Vigil “I wish you many years of happiness in your journey with the Lord.”
Earlier before the liturgy began Msgr. William V. Sullivan, rector of the Cathedral, told the congregation that this year’s Mass of the Chrism marked the 100th time that the oils were blessed and consecrated in the Cathedral which in November will mark its 100th anniversary of dedication. 
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