The annual Chrism Mass of the diocese of Port Elizabeth will be at the Church of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus, Cambridge this Tuesday 31st March at 10am (Holy Tuesday). At this important annual Mass the priests of the diocese renew publicly their priestly promises; in this diocese deacons are also invited to make an act of renewal of their commitment. In this Mass, the sacred oils are blessed by the bishop to be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the course of the year – the oils for St Bernadette’s will be brought to our church subsequent to the Chrism Mass. To facilitate participation, it is customary in our diocese for the Mass to take place in a different part of the diocese each year. The Fathers from the Oratory will be attending the Mass on Tuesday in Cambridge. Anyone is welcome to attend if they are able to do so; we ask all for support of the bishop and our priests in your prayers on Tuesday. Celebrations of Mass and Stations of the Cross at St Bernadette’s will take place as usual on Holy Tuesday.
“The Chrism Mass which the bishop concelebrates with his presbyterium and at which the holy chrism is consecrated and the oils blessed, manifests the communion of the priests with their bishop in the same priesthood and ministry of Christ. The priests who concelebrate with the bishop should come to this Mass from different parts of the diocese, thus showing in the consecration of the chrism to be his witnesses and cooperators, just as in their daily ministry they are his helpers and counsellors. The faithful are also to be encouraged to participate in this Mass, and to receive the sacrament of the Eucharist.
Traditionally the Chrism Mass is celebrated on the Thursday of Holy Week. If, however, it should prove to be difficult for the clergy and people to gather with the bishop, this rite can be transferred to another day, but one always close to Easter. The chrism and the oil of catechumens is to be used in the celebration of the sacraments of initiation on Easter night.
There should be only one celebration of the Chrism Mass given its significance in the life of the diocese, and it should take place in the cathedral or, for pastoral reasons, in another church which has a special significance.
The holy oils can be brought to the individual parishes before the celebration of the evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper or at some other suitable time. This can be a means of catechizing the faithful about the use and effects of the holy oils and chrism in Christian life.”
From Paschalis Solemnitatis (Instruction on the Preparation and Celebration of the Easter Feast, Congregation for Divine Worship, 1988) Nos 35-36.