Chrism Mass is time to bless, consecrate sacred oils
By DANIEL F. DeLONG, Globe editor, and RENEE WEBB, Globe associate editor
Posted March 28, 2002

In one of the Catholic Church's most holy events, the three sacred oils used in the sacraments were blessed by Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo during the Chrism Mass on March 22 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

Two representatives from all 124 parishes in the diocese - priests, deacons, women religious, chancery staff and Catholic school students - filled the cathedral to capacity.

The Mass was interrupted briefly by an unprecedented show of support for the church during an impromptu thunderous standing ovation by those in attendance after the bishop prayed for the priests.

"I've never seen anything like it," said Father Eugene E. Sitzmann, pastor of Visitation Church (Maryhill) in Cherokee.

Bishop DiNardo opened the Mass by saying, "God uses oil, born from the earth, and God uses us, reborn through the waters of baptism, to be instruments of salvation."

In the homily, the bishop told the assembly that he would consecrate the Sacred Oil of Chrism and bless the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens - olive oil.

"Parish representatives will carry back the oil and present it to their church," he said.

Bishop DiNardo pointed out that 100 years ago - while the Diocese of Sioux City was established a few months earlier - there was no Chrism Mass here as the first bishop, Philip J. Garrigan, did not arrive until June. Priests at that time had to get the sacred oils from Dubuque.

Besides blessing the oils, the bishop said the Mass was also an opportunity for priests to renew their commitments.

"In recent months priests have been in the spotlight, a tough spotlight," he said.

He referred to a letter by the Holy Father that also mentioned the difficulties facing priests today, not only in America, but around the world.

Bishop DiNardo said that priests have gone through a great deal of suffering recently.

"Please pray for us that we may be worthy of the grace given us," he said.

Following the homily, priests renewed their commitment to priestly service.

"My brothers and sisters, pray for your priests. Ask the Lord to bless them with the fullness of his love, to help them be faithful ministers of Christ the High Priest, so that they will be able to lead you to him, the fountain of salvation," the bishop told the assembly.

Shortly thereafter, those in attendance broke into an impromptu ovation of support.

Gift-bearers then carried up the three oils along with the balsam (perfume), bread and wine.

The oil of the sick was blessed by the bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer. This oil is used to give comfort and healing to the infirm.

Bishop DiNardo led the Rite of Blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and Consecration of the Sacred Chrism after Communion.

With hands extended, he blessed the Oil of Catechumens, saying, "Lord God, protector of all who believe in you, bless this oil and give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their baptism. Bring them to a deeper understanding of the Gospel, help them to accept the challenge of Christian living, and lead them to the joy of new birth in the family of your church."

The bishop then mixed the perfume into the chrism. Following prayer, Bishop DiNardo breathed over the opening of the vessel and asked God to fill it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

He prayed, in part, "Make this chrism a sign of life and salvation for those who are to be born again in the waters of baptism. Wash away the evil they have inherited from sinful Adam, and when they are anointed with this holy oil make them temples of your glory, radiant with the goodness of life that has its source in you."

Besides anointing in baptisms, chrism is used to seal the candidates for confirmation and anoint the hands of priests and heads of bishops at their ordinations.

After the concluding rite and song, members of the chancery staff helped package and then distribute the sacred oils to parishioners from throughout the diocese.

The bishop was available to personally greet everyone who was in attendance. A reception followed.