Florida Catholic | Priests Of Diocese Gather For Chrism Mass

Priests of diocese gather for chrism Mass

The chrism Mass is the largest annual gathering of the clergy and the time they renew their commitment to priestly service.

BOB REDDY | FLORIDA CATHOLIC VENICE BUREAU EDITOR

Published: 04.04.08

Bishop Frank J. Dewane leads the priests of the Diocese of Venice during renewal of their commitment to priestly service during the chrism Mass March 18 at Epiphany Cathedral.
BOB REDDY | FC

VENICE | The faithful of the Diocese of Venice showed their support for their parish priests at Epiphany Cathedral March 18 at the annual chrism Mass, during which the priests renewed the commitments they made at ordination.

Prior to the Mass, the largest annual gathering of clergy and faithful in the diocese, more than 240 priests changed into their vestments at the parish hall across the street from the cathedral and had an opportunity for fellowship.

BOB REDDY | FC
Priest in service to the Diocese of Venice process to Epiphany Cathedral for the chrism Mass.

Pallottine Father R. Patrick Wilson of St. Martha Parish in Sarasota said the entire service was special to him and in particular the fellowship with the priests from across the diocese. The priests are divided into deaneries and therefore do not have a chance to see each other often, if at all, with exception of the annual convocation in the fall.

“It is an important moment when the priests renew their promises,” Father Wilson said.

There were lots of hugs and smiles as the men of the priesthood filed into the parish hall to change into their vestments and have some light snacks. Old friendships were renewed as some had not seen each other in weeks, months or even years. The group included active priests and those who have retired to the diocese and are now inactive.

The fellowship continued as they made their way from the parish hall to the cathedral. The special day was emphasized by the sun shining on their faces and the wind blowing through their vestments as the group headed into the special Mass.

During the renewal of commitment to priestly service, the gathered priests stood as one and spoke with one voice saying, “I am,” three times in response to the prompting of Bishop Frank J. Dewane.

Bishop Dewane said during his homily that the “priesthood is not a job, or an occupation or something defined for ourselves. Jesus Christ defined the priesthood.”

He said the priests need to guard that their life’s work doesn’t become about themselves. “It is a challenge for us because we are human with so much emphasis on ‘I,’” he said. “Keep our eyes and heart fixed on a crucified and risen Christ for us gathered here. It is what we do.”

The chrism Mass not only brings into focus the historical context of the priesthood, but also manifests the communion of today’s priests with their local bishop. It is an opportunity for the priests to see the church in a larger sense, beyond their own parishes. Having all the priests of the diocese come together at the chrism Mass, on the eve of the Easter triduum, reminds priests of their calling to act in Jesus’ name.

“The nucleus of the priesthood is to be friends of Jesus Christ. Only in that way can we truly speak ‘in the person of Christ,’” Pope Benedict XVI said at the 2007 chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The oils blessed at the chrism Mass are part of the Blessed Sacrament and act as a mirror, but it’s up to each individual to find Christ in himself or herself. The oils are for the sick and catechumens. The sacred chrism will be used at baptisms and confirmations at parishes throughout the year.

“Let each one of us allow those sacraments be a new chapter in our lives,” Bishop Dewane said.

Following the recessional, the priests collected the oils they will use for the important events of the year and said goodbye to one another in joyful hope they will see each other again very soon.

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Priests of diocese gather for chrism Mass

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