Chrism Mass: 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'

PROVIDENCE — Hundreds attended the annual Chrism Mass Monday, April 15 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul. During the Mass, which was concelebrated with priests from around the state, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin blessed and consecrated the holy oils that will be used throughout the diocese during the coming year.

Bishop Tobin welcomed everyone to the celebration in what he called “a wonderful event for the diocesan church.” He also offered his prayers for the Diocese of Paris as fire destroyed much of their iconic cathedral as earlier that afternoon.

“As we gather in our cathedral this evening, I think it’s appropriate for us to remember the good folks in France and in Paris who today through that terrible tragic fire lost their cathedral — a place of great art and architecture, but a holy place — a place of faith and devotion as well. We pray that, even though they suffered this loss, that their hope and their faith will be renewed through the support of other people and the unfailing grace of almighty God.”

The Chrism Mass is also an important expression of unity among priests and their bishops, a special opportunity for priests to renew their priestly promises. In his homily, Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans reminded the priests in attendance that they have been created, called, formed and consecrated for a work not of their own making.

“Persevering in this vocation does not depend on human stamina or single-mindedness but on a divine power beyond our control but always at our fingertips.”

Bishop Evans added that he and his brother priests are stewards of divine mysteries.

“We inspire a confidence and trust precisely because the faithful understand that despite our personal unworthiness we have been chosen by God to be an instrument of divine grace, not for our sake but for theirs... Perhaps, when all is said and done, the most we can hope for is others to have said of us: He was a Catholic priest. Blessed indeed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”