Hundreds of people gathered at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, Beaumont, March 30 to celebrate the Chrism Mass with Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD, and the priests of the diocese.
The Mass is an expression of the fullness of the bishop’s priesthood and of the close unity of the priests with him.
During Bishop Guillory’s homily, he took the time to ask all in attendance to pray for their priests and continue to support them.
“You know that your priests work tirelessly with long hours and under much pressure to make Christ present in your life. They have been there to baptize your children, marry you, and bury your loved ones. They strive to nourish you with the word of God and the example of their selfless dedication,” he said.
“Support, encourage and love your priests. Your prayers and love will sustain them. The recommitment of our priests to service tonight also reminds us that even in the midst of crisis, the spirit of the lord is at work in us continuing the mission of Jesus,” Bishop Guillory added.
The Chrism Mass is also the one Mass during the year when the Sacred Chrism is consecrated, and the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens are blessed by Bishop Guillory. These oils are then sent to all parishes, missions, and hospital and prison chaplains to be used throughout the year.
