Media Release

Udupi, Apr 12: The blessings of Holy Oils and Priests’ Day was observed at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur on Thursday, April 11. Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese concelebrated Eucharistic celebrations along with Msgr Dr Baptist Menezes, vicar general of diocese, Fr Stany B Lobo, chancellor of Udupi diocese, Fr DrLawrence C D’Souza, rector the cathedral and dean of Kallianpur deanery, Fr Denis D’Sa,dDean of Shirva deanery, Fr Valerian Mendonca, dean of Udupi deanery, Fr Stany Tauro, dean of Kundapur deanery, Fr Joswey Fernandes, dean of Karkala deanery and around 70 priests.

Prior to the start of the Mass, a procession of priests led by bishop proceeded towards the cathedral from Milagres tri-centenary hall. The blessing of the three Holy Oils was held during the Mass at Milagres Cathedral which was usually held in diocesan Cathedral which was renovated partially. The blessings of three kinds of Sacred Oils, all of which signify the work of the Holy Spirit and symbolise it in that oil serves to sweeten, to strengthen and to render supple.

During the Mass, priests asked to stand and renew the promises made on their ordination time and witnessed the priests again pledged their lives and love to Jesus.

Bishop in his homily pointed out the role of priests in proclaiming the Holy Bible and to share with everybody the truth of the Gospel in which they rejoice in the Lord. “The life of a priest is to be modeled on the life of his master. Christ went about preaching and teaching the word of God.

“Since nobody can be saved who has not first believed, it is the duty of priests to proclaim the message of God to all men. In every case, a priest’s role is not to teach their own wisdom but the world of God and issue an urgent invitation to all men to conversion to holiness. Evidently a priest himself already possesses a large storehouse of God’s wisdom,” he said.

The bishop said that priests are to share the Gospel not only with the believers but with unbelievers too. “Priests are to teach in such a way that they invite people to conversion and to holiness. The first object of their preaching and teaching Gospel should be to bring sinners back to the God from whom they are estranged,” he said.

Bishop Gerald blessed the three Holy Oils, the Holy Oil of the Sick, the Holy Oil of the Catechumens and the Holy Chrism Oil. The reception of the Holy Oils may take place at Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or any other day after the celebration of Chrism Mass.

The Oil of Catechumens used in Baptism along with water, in the consecration of churches, in the blessing of Altars, in the ordination of priests and sometimes in the crowning of Catholic Kings or queens. The Holy Chrism or Oil of Gladness which is olive oil mixed with a small amount of balm or balsam. It is used in Confirmation, Baptism, in the consecration of a Bishop, the consecration of a various things such as churches, chalices, patens and bells. The Oil of the Sick is used in Unction. A service of great solemnity and beauty takes place in every cathedral each year which the bishop blesses the oils to be used during the ensuing year in the administration of the Sacraments as well as in various consecrations and blessings of persons and things. The ceremony of the Blessing of the Oils is full of significant symbolism which requires large number of clergy for the sacred oils are considered by the Church to be of such importance as to call for.

At the end, the rector of Cathedral, Fr Dr Lawrence C D’Souza gave words of gratitude for the event of blessings of Holy Oils. He thanked the bishop, clergy and faithful for the successful observation of Eucharistic Mass. He thanked the sponsor of the Mass Steevan and Prema Lewis of Tenkanbettu ward and also wished the couple a happy wedding anniversary.

Bishop Gerald also thanked all concerned for successful organising the Eucharistic Mass as well as morning session for the diocesan priests. He also wished the Steevan and Prema Lewis on their 15th wedding anniversary.

At the end of the Mass, cold drink and cake was served to all the participants from across the diocese which was donated by Steevan Prima Lewis.