By Fr Tom Mangattuthazhe –
Guwahati: During Holy Week, the Chrism Mass is celebrated in cathedrals in dioceses all over the world. The Chrism Mass is a public celebration and display of the unity of the bishop and the priests of his diocese and the entire Church community. It is one of the holiest and solemn Masses celebrated all year because, in addition to the priests renewing their promises to the bishop, the three oils blessed by the bishop during the Mass play such an important role in the life of the Church. The oil of catechumens is used in the Sacrament of Baptism, the oil of the sick is used in the Sacrament of anointing of the Sick and the holy chrism is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and in Holy Orders for the ordination of priests and bishops.
Chrism Mass at Christ the bearer of the Good News Cathedral, Guwahati was held on 30th March. The day began with the recollection and talk by Fr. Julian SJ which was followed by Eucharistic adoration and confessions. The mass was celebrated by Archbishop John Moolachira, the Archbishop of Guwahati.
Archbishop John in his homily said, “Chrism mass is a day to celebrate Catholic priesthood. It is also an indication of the communion that exists among priests and their unity with Christ. Standing with brother priests and among the people of God, the priests renew the promises they made at ordination. The first promise that the priest makes is that he would unite himself more closely to Christ, become more like him, and joyfully sacrifice his own pleasures and ambitions. A priest’s first priority is his spiritual life. If the priest wants to be an instrument of God and lead himself and his people into contact with the mystery of God, be recognized as Christ among his people, then he has to be in touch with the presence and mystery of God. The second promise is to celebrate the Eucharist and other liturgical services with due devotion and preach the Christian faith with due preparation. It will make the celebration of the sacraments is a heavenly experience and the preaching should touch hearts. Devout celebration of Eucharist makes us better priests and it uplifts the faithful, while an improper celebration reveals our weakness of faith and fails to educate the community.”
Quoting Pope Francis Archbishop continued, “Up to the evening of your life, remain in wonder and gratitude for that mysterious call which one day echoed in the depths of your spirit.” He further added, “God binds the priest to himself. He takes hold of the priest by his hand so that he can lead him in the path of righteousness; make him a bridge between God and his people and be a shepherd who cares for his sheep. It is a challenge to be a good priest in the present times.”
Archbishop concluded his homily by saying, “A priest has his weaknesses and temptations, besides he can be accused of no fault of his own; the priest can be overworked, lonely and may experience rejection or lack of understanding. His only consolation is that the Lord who called him will be faithful. It is the Lord who declared, ‘you are a priest forever and He will not break this covenant with priests. There is so much joy in the priesthood. People continue to trust us, believe in us, and value our prayers. It will be more so if we are a man of God. The ideal set before is very high; so is our responsibility. God has great expectations of us. It will actualize only when one is a priest 24×7, then we will be empowered by the Holy Spirit and our life will become a journey of love.”
He ended the service seeking the intercession of Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus so that all priests may be transformed into the image of her son Jesus.