Diocese of Orange to Celebrate Annual Chrism Mass, Among the Most Solemn Liturgies of the Church
Garden Grove, calif., (March 18, 2016) – The Most Rev. Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, will bless the oils used for sacramental anointing and officiate over the annual renewal of promises made by priests serving in Orange County during the annual Chrism Mass.
This ceremony, celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church for over 1,000 years, is among the most essential liturgies celebrated each year. The blessed oils will be used in all parishes within the diocese for the coming year.
Event Details
- What: The Annual Chrism Mass
- When: Monday, March 21st, at 5:30 p.m.
- Where: The Arboretum on the Christ Cathedral campus
“This ceremony is among the most essential liturgies celebrated each year. Once blessed, these sacred oils will be used to anoint the sick, baptize catechumens and infants, confirm candidates, ordain priests, and anoint altars,” said Bishop Vann.
The Three Sacred Oils
The Chrism Mass takes its name from the title “the Christ,” which means the Anointed One. It is marked by the ceremonial blessing of three distinct holy oils:
- The Oil of the Sick: This oil is used to anoint all who suffer in mind and body. Through the holy anointing, the sick gain strength in their suffering, are released from fear, and receive the consolation of faith.
- The Oil of Catechumens: This oil is reserved for those preparing for baptism. In receiving this anointing, infants and those coming into the Church (the “elect”) gain strength to renounce sin and so approach the waters of baptism.
- The Holy Chrism: This oil is consecrated by the bishop, who pours balsam into the oil and breathes the Holy Spirit over the mixture. The balsam is symbolic of the sweet odor of virtue, while the oil signifies the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Mixed with fragrant perfume, the holy chrism is used to anoint the newly baptized, those receiving confirmation, the hands of priests, the head of a bishop, and the altars and walls of new churches.
For more information on this liturgy, please contact Lesa Truxaw, Director of Worship, at 714-282-3000.