Chrism Mass message reveals the Church is ‘not a fortress, but a tent’ that welcomes all
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Bishop Lucia holds up the vessel of Sacred Chrism after the oils and fragrance are brought forward in the procession.
A significant liturgical event is celebrated annually on the Tuesday of Holy Week: the Chrism Mass. Falling on April 15 this year, the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse saw a gathering of many faithful to witness as Bishop Douglas J. Lucia blessed the holy oil and consecrated the Sacred Chrism. The three kinds of oil (Oil of the Catechumens, Oil of the Sick and Holy Chrism) would then be distributed to churches throughout the diocese for use in the sacraments during the coming year.
Approximately 70 priests and 10 deacons from around the diocese were also present, and the principal concelebrants of the Mass were Bishop Emeritus Robert J. Cunningham, Father John Kurgan, Monsignor Neal Quartier and Father John Manno. Following Bishop Lucia’s homily, all of the priests present renewed their priestly promises to serve the people of God.
In his homily, Bishop Lucia referenced Pope Francis’ description of the nature of the Church as “not a fortress, but a tent, able to enlarge her space and give access to all.” He emphasized the message that the Church should always be open to all people who seek entrance: “Churches should always have their doors open because this is a sign of what a church is — always open.”
Bishop Lucia went on to explain how the blessing and consecration of the holy oils are directly linked to the Church’s welcoming and inclusive nature.
“These oils represent welcome and strength, healing and comfort, and our incalculable dignity in the eyes of God,” he said. “They not only speak of who we are, but even more of our mission as followers of the way and disciples of the Lord Jesus. As God’s anointed through the holy anointings received, we are called to pick up Jesus’ mission in the world and to continue to announce the nearness of God’s kingdom to those we encounter by enlarging the tent and continually recognizing the holy ground on which all lives are built.”
The full Chrism Mass was live-streamed and can be viewed anytime on the Syracuse Diocese YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgzI1BNkZ9M
