Archbishop Hanus blesses sacred oils at Chrism Mass

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
March 24, 2005

Oils to be used in parishes throughout the Diocese of Sioux City for sacred ceremonies were blessed by Archbishop Jerome G. Hanus of Dubuque during the Chrism Mass held March 21 at Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City.

In opening comments, the archbishop said that 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," explained Archbishop Hanus. "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."

The archbishop was also the homilist for the celebration. He said that the Diocese of Sioux City had a wonderful practice in inviting parish representatives to take the sacred oils back to their parishes.

"It helps strengthen the unity among the parishes and between the parishes and the diocese," he said. "Your presence here fills me with hope for the future of the Catholic Church in northwest Iowa."

Archbishop Hanus reminded the people that they are called Christians because they have been christened, anointed and united more closely with Christ.

He extended a word of welcome to the brother priests.

"It is a special day for us priests. You will be joining me in consecrating the sacred chrism - that oil is used to anoint your hands on the day of your ordination," he said. "When I ordain priests, I pour a lot of oil in their hands and rub it in real good. I do that to signify that with those sacred hands priests will carry out the ministry in the midst of God's holy people."

The archbishop asked everyone present to pray for the priests.

"The vocation of the priesthood comes directly from Christ. His first priests were the apostles," he explained. "Jesus gathered them together to celebrate Holy Thursday."

He pointed out that the Eucharist was celebrated for the first time at the Last Supper.

"Jesus wanted the Eucharist to be celebrated again and again. He wanted to give his body and blood to his followers down through all of history, so he said to the apostles, 'Do this in memory of me.' Do this in memory of me - such important words. They are how we have the Eucharist. They are why we have priests. Both the Eucharist and the priesthood were born at the Last Supper," explained the archbishop.

He also noted that this is the Year of the Eucharist, as declared by Pope John Paul II. Archbishop Hanus said the Holy Father has written that there could be no Eucharist without priesthood, just as there could be no priesthood without the Eucharist.

The archbishop said the pope has asked the people to pray for vocations to the priesthood. He told those gathered that he looked forward with "prayer, faith and hope to the naming of your bishop. His vocation will come from Christ."

After the homily, Archbishop Hanus led a renewal of commitment to priestly service. He asked everyone present 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. In addition to the carrying up the bread and wine, deacons carried vessels of the three oils as well as the balsam (perfume) that was later added to the chrism.

The oil of the sick was blessed by the archbishop during the Eucharistic prayer. He blessed the oil of catechumens and consecrated the sacred chrism following Communion.

After blessing the oil of catechumens, the archbishop then mixed the perfume into the Chrism and prayed. Next, he breathed into the vessel and asked God to fill it with the power of the Holy Spirit.

As Archbishop Hanus prayed over the chrism, all of the priests extended their right hands. He prayed, "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."

Msgr. Roger Augustine, diocesan administrator, extended gratitude to the archbishop for celebrating the Chrism Mass for the second year and said he hoped the next time the archbishop came to Sioux City it was for the ordination of a new bishop.

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