Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison celebrated the Chrism Mass at St. Maria Goretti Church in Madison, part of Divine Mercy Pastorate, the morning of Holy Thursday, April 17.
Completely filling the church, the concelebrating presbyterate and prayerful laity joined Bishop Hying in preparing for another liturgical year of Baptisms, Confirmations, and Anointings.
‘Wonderful, dedicated, holy’
During his homily, Bishop Hying said that he was “grateful for the presence of all of you here . . . you that represent so many beautiful ways the Lord is working in our diocese,” especially thanking “all of our priests, our deacons, our consecrated virgins, our dedicated lay leaders”.
Speaking about the oils to be blessed that day — the Sacred Chrism, Oil of the Catechumens, and Oil of the Sick — Bishop Hying also brought attention to the priests who will distribute them throughout the diocese.
“It is the priest, as a good steward of the Lord’s mercies and blessings, who will use these oils in thousands of celebrations and Sacraments throughout our diocese,” the bishop said.
“It is the priest who dispenses the graces won for us in the mystery of the Lord’s death and Resurrection.
“It is through the priest that the Lord enters into us through the power of sanctifying grace. How fitting then that on this Holy Thursday, our beloved priests renew their priestly promises,” he continued.
“We love our priests, we support our priests, and we pray for each of them as an alter Christus in our midst. . . We have a wonderful, dedicated, holy presbyterate,” Bishop Hying said.
Distributing oils
After the priests renewed their promises, the oils were blessed and consecrated, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Bishop Hying distributed portions of each holy oil to priests and designates from each parish or pastorate as they were called forward.
Bishop Hying had recognized in his homily that “across our country, almost every diocese reports record numbers of people entering the Church,” and so as representatives stepped forward, Bishop Hying ensured they returned with plenty, asking them “Is this enough?” and “How much do you need?” as he handed them their oils.
These oils were used throughout the diocese days later when nearly 300 people entered the Church during Masses held on Easter Vigil.