By Alfonso Aguilar
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 3/31/05)

As in previous years, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde joined diocesan priests to celebrate Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington.

"This year the Mass has a special meaning because we are celebrating the Year of the Eucharist," said Bishop Loverde as he welcomed all the priests, sisters, deacons and seminarians who attended the Mass. A large group of students from the Cathedral of St. Thomas More School also attended.

"Certainly, our bishop taught us about the Eucharist and prayer as powerful instruments for our vocation and mission," said Father Kevin B. Walsh, pastor of St. Philip Parish in Falls Church.

During this special Mass the clergy renewed their commitment to the Church and the bishop blessed and consecrated the oil of catechumens, related to the sacrament of baptism; the oil of the sick; and the sacred chrism for the sacraments. Bishop Loverde poured the oils, located in three separate silver urns near the altar, and mixed balsam into the sacred chrism.

Father Robert J. Rippy, Cathedral rector, Father Matthew H. Zuberbueler, parochial vicar, and Brother David S. Eddy, C.F.X., assisted the bishop during the service.

Prior to the Mass, Bishop Loverde posed for photos with 24 seminarians and Father Brian G. Bashista, diocesan director of vocations.