Archbishop Hanus blesses sacred oils at Chrism Mass held in Sioux City

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
April 8, 2004

Three sacred oils used in the sacraments of the Catholic Church were blessed by Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus of Dubuque during the Chrism Mass held April 5 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

In opening comments, the archbishop said that during the liturgy he would consecrate the Sacred Oil of Chrism and bless the Oil of the Sick and Oil of Catechumens.

"The chrism is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their ordinations. The Oil of the Sick is used to give comfort and healing to the infirm. And the Oil of Catechumens is used in the preparation of catechumens for their baptism," he explained.

During the homily, Archbishop Hanus pointed out that Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo, former bishop of Sioux City and present coadjutor bishop of the Galveston-Houston Diocese, several weeks ago had asked the archbishop to preside at the Chrism Mass. The archbishop readily agreed.

"As I reflected on this request, I soon realized that this is an exceptional situation," said the archbishop.

He mentioned that the Second Vatican Council said that Catholic Church is fullest when the bishop, surrounded by priests and other visitors, presides at the Eucharist at one altar with all people actively participating.

"But you, the church of Sioux City cannot do this in its full sense because you do not have a bishop," said Archbishop Hanus. "For the first time in your history, it is impossible for you to experience yourself in this full way of being church."

This realization, he stressed, should lead to people of the diocese to intense prayer for the Holy Spirit to soon provide a new bishop.

"Pray for the Holy Father, pray for his advisors, pray for the priest who will be chosen as your new bishop and pray for yourselves that you will receive and accept him as you have accepted bishops so well over the years," said the archbishop.

He pointed out that during the Chrism Mass the archbishop said they prayed that "the Holy Spirit would be powerfully active in our midst. As it happens at every Mass, we know that the Holy Spirit will enable us to experience the presence of Jesus."

Archbishop Hanus mentioned that most people remembered their confirmation as the distinct event where they were anointed and received the Holy Spirit. He added that same oil used in confirmation, chrism, may be the very oil that anoints the diocese's new bishop.

"The Mass here today is really a prayer that the local church of Sioux City will soon have a bishop, anointed by the Holy Spirit," he said. The archbishop stressed, however, that the church was not entirely orphaned here. The church continues because of the many others who have been anointed by priestly grace.

Most of the active priests in the diocese were on hand to concelebrate the liturgy with the archbishop. Bishop Lawrence D. Soens, retired bishop of Sioux City, was present in the sanctuary. Many of the deacons were also on hand for the celebration.

He acknowledged that many of the priests have experienced pain and anguish in recent months because of the sins of a few of the clergy.

"May all of us work to bring healing to victims, their families, their communities in our service. Oil is for healing and cleansing," said the archbishop. "Through prayer and vigilance, God's grace will carry us through these difficult times and make us holier, stronger and more caring."

After the homily, Archbishop Hanus led a renewal of commitment to priestly service. The archbishop then addressed the people asked for them to pray for the 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," he said.

Deacons served as gift bearers for the liturgy. They carried up the three oils along with balsam (perfume) as well as the bread and wine, presenting them to the archbishop.

The Oil of the Sick was blessed by the archbishop during the Eucharistic Prayer. The other oils were blessed following Communion.

After blessing the Oil of Catechumens, the bishop then mixed the perfume into the chrism. He then breathed into the vessel, asking God to fill it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Members of the chancery staff helped package and distribute the oils to parish representatives from across the diocese who were on hand for the liturgy.