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Home  / News & Publications /  Michigan Catholic News / 2008 /  Chrism Mass

by Joe Kohn of The Michigan Catholic
Published March 28, 2008

Joe Kohn | The Michigan Catholic Cardinal Adam Maida, along with priests from throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit, blesses the chrism oil at the annual chrism Mass March 20. At the Mass, attended by Catholics from throughout the archdiocese, priests also renewed their commitment to their ministry.

Detroit — Jesus Christ made the decision to share in our human condition — a decision that led Him to physical torment, humiliation and even death on a cross — so that we might be one in an eternal bond with God the Father and with one another.

Cardinal Adam Maida summed it up with the word "solidarity," as he spoke last Thursday to hundreds gathered from every corner of the archdiocese at the annual chrism Mass. The Mass marked the beginning of the Holy Triduum of Easter. It also marked a renewal of the priestly vows for the 130 priests from the Archdiocese of Detroit who were concelebrating the Mass.

Joe Kohn | The Michigan Catholic Catholics from throughout the archdiocese packed the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Detroit for the annual chrism Mass.

"Christ's profound humility and gracious service brought about our salvation," Cardinal Maida said during the homily before a filled-to capacity crowd at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. "He restored our communion with the Father and made possible a new solidarity with one another. By His absolute openness to the Father, Christ has shown us how to turn from the isolation of sin to the joy of communion with and for others."

Every year in Holy Week, the chrism Mass gives each diocese around the world an opportunity to show the communion of the Church on Earth. During the Mass, the oils used for the sacraments — oil of the sick, catechumen oil and chrism oil — are brought before the archbishop and blessed. They're then taken from the Mass by representatives to each parish in the diocese.

Joe Kohn | The Michigan Catholic Cardinal Maida breathes on the oil of chrism during its consecration at the chrism Mass.

"It's a beautiful ceremony, and it starts out the Easter Triduum," said Connie Cunningham, 59, a parishioner at St. Benedict Parish in Waterford Township. "I really like the blessing of the holy oils. It just means so much to see them go through the different stages — from the anointing of the sick, to the holy Chrism for special sacraments, and the oil of Catechumens to welcome the faithful into the community."

Gene Tatro, 40, who is chairman of the worship commission at St. Priscilla Parish in Livonia, said it's enjoyable to attend the chrism Mass and bring the oils back to his parish.

"The sacred oils are used throughout the year, so that's really important," Tatro said, adding that St. Priscilla holds a healing service with anointing of the sick each month.

He also noted that it connects the parish to the Cathedral and the archbishop.

Holy oils The three holy oils blessed or consecrated at the annual chrism Mass on Holy Thursday morning are: • Oil of the sick (oleum infirmorum) used for anointing the sick. • Oil of catechumens (oleum catechumenorum or oleum sanctorum) used for anointing adult catechumens and infants prior to their baptism. • Oil of chrism (sacrum chrisma) used in connection with the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and holy orders.

"They know there is somebody downtown that really cares, and it makes us feel special," he said.

Also a significant part of the chrism Mass is the host of concelebrants. As is common each year, priests turned up from many of the parishes in the archdiocese for the liturgy. Prior to the blessing of the oils, they renewed their own commitment to the Lord and to the people they serve.

"It's an experience of rededication as a priest, next to many other priests, sharing a common purpose to work for the kingdom," said Fr. Thomas Cusick, pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Belleville, who was concelebrating. "And it's a great day to celebrate the gift of our service."

Fr. Tyrone Robinson, administrator of St. Luke Parish in Detroit, said the chrism Mass also holds significance throughout the year because of the blessing of the oils.

"Those oils are used during the year for the life of the parish," Fr. Robinson said. "We use it when we baptize babies, when we welcome catechumens and for the anointing of the sick – so it's a key point."

Fr. David Brecht, OSA, pastor of St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Point Park, added that the chrism Mass helps make the connection between each parish and their common pastor, Cardinal Maida.

"It's a sign of unity of the presbyterate with the archbishop," Fr. Brecht said, "and also a sign of the connection of the parishes with the archbishop, in the cathedral church and the preparation of the oils."

Joe Kohn | The Michigan Catholic Deacon Robert Gajda of St. Mary Parish in Wayne carries a container of chrism oil to be blessed by Cardinal Maida.

At the conclusion to his homily, Cardinal Maida reminded those present of the 175-year history of the Archdiocese of Detroit. He encouraged the diverse congregation to live out their unity as Church, aided with the oils of the sacraments, by living their lives in Christ.

"Even before they had the word 'solidarity,' they were coming together in faith and hope as we do here and now," he said of the Church. "Now, we have the word, solidarity, and we have the theology and experience of our union in Christ. May we continue to live our solidarity as we work and pray with the mind and heart of Jesus Christ."