On Tuesday 15 April, Cardinal Vincent Nichols celebrated the Chrism Mass at Westminster Cathedral, joined by hundreds of diocesan clergy.
At the Mass, traditionally held during Holy Week, the sacred Holy Oils used in the Sacraments of Holy Orders, Baptism, Confirmation, and Anointing of the Sick were consecrated and blessed. These are then distributed to the parishes across the diocese for use over the coming year.
During the Mass our priests renewed their vows of commitment to priestly service. The Mass provided an opportunity to show appreciation and gratitude to our priests, for their tireless service.
In his homily, Cardinal Nichols echoed this, saying:
'I take this opportunity of thanking you, each and every one of the priests ministering in this diocese. I thank you for your dedication and your resilience in the face of complexities and difficulties, your support for one another and your focused and generous service to those entrusted to you. And, I know that everyone here wants to support you with their love and prayers, as I do too.'
The Cardinal also drew attention to the need to fix our eyes on the person of Jesus during Holy Week:
In doing so, the liturgy gives us both the universal sweep of this priesthood and its expression here in this diocese. Paul proclaims powerfully that Jesus is the 'ruler of kings on earth' and ‘Alpha and Omega' of all creation. Yet, at the same time, Jesus is rooted in Nazareth, bringing his priesthood into that small village, just as he brings it here into every part of our Diocese of Westminster.'
'It is the calling of all the baptised, you my sisters and brothers, to make every day, every experience, an offering to God. As we offer ourselves to God, we also embrace all those we know and meet. They may not yet understand that this life is a gift of God and will find its fulfilment in God, through Jesus our Blessed Lord, the 'Alpha and Omega' of all life.'
