CHRISM MASS — Priests of the Archdiocese of Regina renew their commitment to service at the annual chrism mass, held March 21 at Holy Rosary Catedral. (Flegel photo)

Chrism mass celebrated March 21

By Frank Flegel

REGINA — The Mass of Chrism is all about the healing touch of God, said Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan in his homily to priests and congregation gathered March 21 in Holy Rosary Cathedral for the traditional mass to bless the oils used in special ceremonies. The oil of the sick is used to anoint the sick and dying; the oil of catechumens is used in baptism and the sacred chrism is used in confirmation and the ordination of priests.

“These oils will consecrate and bless the faithful people of our church through the touch of the hands of their priests; a consecrating touch, a healing touch and a strengthening touch,” said the archbishop.

Bohan traced the touch of a priest’s hands back to Jesus, through the apostles to the bishops and to the priests.

There can be no priests without a bishop, he said, no bishop without the apostles and no apostles without Jesus. “Therefore it is the touch of Jesus that is felt in the ministry of your priests and your bishop.”

Most people know how important a human touch can be and he recalled the comforting touch of a nurse when he faced a medical examination that carried the prospect of some pain and discomfort. “The nurse who was there reached out and put her hand on my shoulder and kept it there. I have never forgotten the comfort and assurance that touch gave to me.”

Most of the diocesan priests were in attendance and all renewed their commitment to priestly service which is traditional at the Chrism Mass.

After the oils were blessed, the vessels were taken to a meeting room where an assembly line of volunteers poured each of the three oils in separate small bottles that were then packaged in pre-labelled boxes and made available to each of the archdiocesan parishes.

The service began with a liturgy of the word and ended with the liturgy of the eucharist.

A reception and social in the hall followed the service.