Daijiworld Media Network- Udupi

Udupi, Apr 11: The Blessing of Holy Oils, Chrism Mass, and priest day was observed at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur, under the Udupi diocese on Thursday, April 10. The Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, bishop of Udupi diocese, concelebrated the solemn Eucharistic celebration with a record number of diocesan and religious priests.

In the morning, the diocesan pre-synod meeting was held at Anugraha Pastoral Centre, Kakkunje, with all diocesan and religious priests, presided over by the bishop, which continued until noon. This meeting had originally been scheduled to take place at the Milagres Cathedral campus.

Prior to the Mass, the bishop along with all the priests gathered at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall and processed towards Milagres Cathedral.

The Chrism Mass, which is usually celebrated in the diocesan cathedral, includes the blessing of the three kinds of Sacred Oils, all of which signify the work of the Holy Spirit and symbolise its presence in the oil, which 'serves to sweeten, to strengthen, to render supple'.

In his beautiful and meaningful homily, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo emphasised the responsibility of priests to serve God through His mission for the community of believers. “A priest is a person of God who is appointed by Him. It is, therefore, an act of virtue that implies the deepest reverence for God,” he said. “A priest is one who forwards the mission of Christ to the faithful. He should bring the faithful together. It is the spiritual power of a priest to unite believers, including the youth.”

He further explained that the priest is granted sacred authority to serve God’s people and lead them towards union with Him. This mission is accomplished principally through teaching, pastoral leadership, spiritual guidance, and the sanctification of the people through the Sacraments. “The primary function of all priests is the administration of the Church’s seven sacraments: baptism, confirmation, confession, Holy Communion, marriage, holy orders, and the anointing of the sick,” the bishop stated. “The parish priest has a twofold obligation: to proclaim the Gospel and to work towards the salvation of souls. In fulfilling these duties, he is to involve the entire parish community.”

Bishop Lobo further noted that it is the parish priest’s responsibility to nurture the growth of the community and to serve the parish systematically. “God’s shepherd recognises his community. Priests should learn to respect others and work towards the people of God. They can continue their mission as leaders within their religious communities. The leadership of a priest is not dependent solely on attire, but on knowledge, dedication, and the ability to serve the congregation,” he added.

The bishop called upon the faithful to pray for priests who lead the community like a shepherd, and invited the youth to consider the priesthood as a vocation to serve the mission of Christ.

Meanwhile, it is fitting that the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism, which are blessed by the Bishop during the Chrism Mass, be presented to and received by the local parish communities.

During the Mass, priests renewed the promises made at the time of their ordination and witnessed once again their commitment to pledge their lives and love to Jesus Christ.

At the conclusion of the celebration, the Cathedral rector, Msgr Ferdinand Gonsalves, offered a vote of thanks to all those involved — including the bishop, the chancellor, the PRO, the five deans of the diocesan deaneries, the clergy, religious, the faithful at large, and others who supported the day’s events.

The sponsors of the celebrations, Steevan and Preema Lewis, were honoured by the bishop with a decorated candle. The bishop also expressed his appreciation to the Cathedral rector and everyone concerned for the successful observance of the 13th annual Chrism Mass in the diocese.

Nearly one hundred priests participated in the celebration, including the vicar general of the diocese, Monsignor Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves; the chancellor, Fr Stephan D’Souza; the PRO, Fr Denis D’Sa; and all five deans, along with other diocesan and religious priests.

Fr Wilson D’Souza of Anugraha moderated the proceedings during the Mass. Refreshments and soft drinks were served to all participants following the celebration.

The Udupi district was part of the diocese of Mangalore from 1887 until the formation of the Udupi Diocese on 15 October 2012. The new diocese was inaugurated by the Apostolic Nuncio to India, archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, at Milagres Cathedral, with bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo appointed as its first bishop.

The three Holy oils:

• The Oil of Catechumens (Oleum Catechumenorum or Oleum Sanctum): Used in Baptism alongside water, in the consecration of churches, blessing of altars, ordination of priests, and occasionally in royal coronations.

• The Holy Chrism (Sanctum Chrisma), also called the “Oil of Gladness”: A mixture of olive oil and balsam, used in Confirmation, Baptism, the consecration of bishops, and in blessing sacred items such as churches, chalices, patens, and bells.

• The Oil of the sick: Used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick for healing and spiritual comfort.

It is customary for these holy oils, once blessed by the Bishop during the Chrism Mass, to be presented to and received by parish communities. While this typically takes place during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday, due to a busy diocesan schedule this year, the Chrism Mass and blessing of the oils were held earlier — on Thursday, April 10, at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur.