(Catholic Herald photo/Kevin Wondrash)
MADISON — The sounds of trumpets, timpani, and harp and the smell of incense enhanced the prayers of the faithful of the Diocese of Madison as they united with their bishop and priests at the Chrism Mass celebrated on Tuesday of Holy Week, March 26, at St. Maria Goretti Church.
The words of the first song emphasized the purpose of this Mass: “Lord of old, you chose a people, Called them forth to be your own . . . And you gave them oil of gladness, Holy oil to sign and bless, Sacred oil to sanctify them, Filled them with your holiness.”
Blessing oils and chrism
At the Chrism Mass, Bishop Robert C. Morlino blessed the oils and sacred chrism, which are used in the administration of certain sacraments and in the performance of certain ecclesiastical functions.
Chrism is used in the administration of the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders; in the consecration of churches, chalices, patens, altars, and altar-stones; and in the solemn blessing of bells and baptismal water.
Near the end of the Mass, representatives of parishes throughout the diocese came forward to receive the blessed oils to be used throughout the year.
Renewal of commitment
The Chrism Mass also includes a renewal of commitment to priestly service by priests of the diocese. In his homily, Bishop Morlino emphasized that there is a special “alliance” between priests and their bishop, like the alliance of a bishop with his own hands.
“So, dear priests, thank you so very much for doing your best to be the hands of the bishop,” said Bishop Morlino. (For the complete text of the bishop’s homily, click here.)
Liturgical ministers
The oils were brought forth by deacons of the diocese. Processing with them were elect from the Cathedral Parish, parish nurses from throughout the diocese, and young people from Divine Mercy Parish in Sauk City who will be confirmed. Bringing up the Offering gifts were Linda and Tim Meylor from Holy Rosary Parish in Darlington.
Music ministers included the Madison Diocesan Choir, directed by Dr. Patrick Gorman, with Glenn Schuster as organist and Michele Gillett as cantor.