In our Rosary Cathedral and in cathedrals all over the world, bishops bless the holy oils at the “Chrism Mass” celebrated on Holy Thursday morning. The Church uses three sacramental oils: The Oil of the Catechumens: Used to strengthen those who are preparing for Baptism. The Oil of the Sick: Used for the healing of mind, body, and spirit. The Holy Chrism Oil: Used at baptism, confirmation, ordination, and the dedication of a church building. The holy oils are kept in a chest called the “ambry” which comes from a Latin word meaning an “armory” – a place to store arms. On this day, the collection taken at Mass is always for the poor.
Pray for our seniors finishing their 4-day Kairos Retreat today. Kairos is from the Greek meaning “the Lord’s time”. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because of which he has anointed me.” (Luke 4:16-21, from the Verse Before the Gospel at today’s Chrism Mass) St. John Berchmans, pray for us. St. Ignatius Loyola, pray for us.
“The Lord anointed me and sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly, and to give them oil of gladness.” (Isaiah 61:1-9, from the first reading at today’s Chrism Mass)
“Lenten fasting is not the same thing in those lands where people eat well as in a Lent among our Third World peoples, undernourished as they are, living a perpetual Lent, always fasting. For those who eat well, Lent is a call to austerity, a call to give away in order to share with those in need…” (Archbishop Oscar Romero, March 2, 1980. He was assassinated 22 days later.)
