Chrism Mass at Cathedral draws overflow crowd

HARTFORD (04-07-2009) - The Cathedral of St. Joseph was filled to overflowing for the annual Chrism Mass held on Tuesday, April 7. During the special Mass, Archbishop Henry J. Mansell blessed three types of oils to be used in every parish throughout the year. The Mass was also an occasion to celebrate the gift of priesthood in the Church, anticipating the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper. Hundreds of priests participated in the Cathedral Mass and those who are celebrating their significant jubilees of priestly ordination in 2009 were recognized.

Archbishop Mansell holds up a large light bulb as he encourages listeners to be "the light of the world."

"You are the light of the world," Archbishop Mansell exclaimed as he held up a large light bulb as illustration. He challenged the participants, comprising all ages - school children, adults, elderly - to be that light every day. He cited examples of how the priests, consecrated men and women and laity are shining lights for the world. He referenced the recent rally for religious liberty held at the State Capitol, and commended the priests for their leadership in standing up for the truth.

Following the Mass, the sacred oils were distributed to parishioners designated to carry them to their parishes.

The Rite of the Blessing of Oils, n.2, explains the use of the oils:

"The Holy Chrism, consecrated by the Archbishop, is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for Confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordination, as well as in the rites of anointing pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars. . . . Chrism is a sign: by baptism Christians are plunged into the paschal mystery of Christ: they die with him, are buried with him, and rise with him; they are sharers in his royal and prophetic priesthood. By confirmation Christians receive the spiritual anointing of the Spirit who is given to them.

"By the Oil of Catechumens the effect of the baptismal exorcisms is extended. Before they go to the font of life to be reborn, the candidates for baptism are strengthened to renounce sin and the devil.

"By the use of the Oil of the Sick, to which Saint James is a witness, the sick receive a remedy for the illness of mind and body, so that they may have the strength to bear suffering and resist evil and obtain the forgiveness of sins."

Monsignor Gerard G. Schmitz, Vicar for Priests, left, and Monsignor John J.McCarthy, Chancellor of the Archdiocese, distribute communion to the faithful.

Students from Catholic schools throughout the archdiocese attended the Mass.