Bishop Barry C. Knestout celebrated the Chrism Mass on Monday, April 14, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Richmond. The Chrism Mass is celebrated each year, on or near Holy Thursday, in every diocese.
During the Chrism Mass, Bishop Knestout blessed the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. He then consecrated the Oil of the Sacred Chrism, which is used to anoint the newly baptized, trace the Sign of the Cross on those who are confirmed, and anoint the hands of priests at their ordination.
In his homily, the bishop drew a connection between the current Jubilee Year of Hope and the Mass readings. The first reading announced “a year of favor from the Lord” (Is 61:2). The Gospel makes the same reference: “to proclaim a year acceptable to the Lord” (Lk 4:19).
Bishop Knestout said the Jubilee Year is “intended to strengthen our faith and help us recognize profoundly Christ’s presence in our lives.” The theme of this Jubilee Year is hope, and Bishop Knestout said the faithful are encouraged to manifest hope by being peacemakers, defending the dignity of human life, and committing acts of charity.
The Chrism Mass is also a time when the priests who are present renew their commitment to priestly service. About 100 priests were at the cathedral and stood to renew their promises.
Bishop Knestout said to his priests, “there is no unity or communion among us without the sacrifice of Christ and our participation in it.”
He asked his brother priests to help him in leading the faithful to communion with Christ and to serve the poor and vulnerable. The bishop also asked those in the pews to pray that he and all priests remain faithful.
After Mass, the oils were given to each parish in the diocese to be used when administering sacraments throughout the year.
