Every year, the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More in Arlington reunites diocesan priests and parishioners from across the diocese. But for Father Richard M. Malebranche, parochial vicar at St. Agnes Church in Arlington, and the 11 other priests ordained to the priesthood last June, the Mass marks a milestone.
“I spent years attending the Chrism Mass, serving at it, sitting literally right next to the priests and watching it unfold. But this year is different. Now I stand among the priests, not as a seminarian, but as a brother,” Father Malebranche said. “That shift is powerful. There’s something deeply moving about standing shoulder to shoulder with my brother priests, united in one priesthood, one mission.”
One of several Holy Week liturgies, the Chrism Mass is a celebration of the priesthood. During the Mass, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge consecrates the sacred chrism and blesses the oils of catechumens and the sick. Priests also renew the priestly promises they made at ordination.
Father Edouard B. Guilloux, parochial vicar of St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Middleburg and St. Katharine Drexel Mission in Haymarket, explained how the oils and chrism are used in different sacraments. “The oil of catechumens is used in preparation for baptism; the oil of the sick is used for the anointing of the sick; sacred chrism is used in baptism, confirmation and the ordination of priests,” he said. He added that sacred chrism may also be used to consecrate altars and churches.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reminded the faithful, “Next month we will celebrate the first anniversary of the election of Pope Leo XIV as the successor to St. Peter.” He encouraged the faithful to take to heart the pope’s words, “Only peaceful hearts can build a peaceful world.”
“Do your part to show others the peace that is yours in relationship with the Lord,” the bishop said. “Bless the world with holy marriages and holy families. Live and practice your faith boldly and courageously and never compromise the Gospel of Life.”
This year, an uncompromising, pro-life witness is desperately needed in Virginia, he said. “We will soon face a ballot amendment seeking to enshrine abortion in our state constitution in the most extreme and reckless ways we have ever seen.” He gave the faithful a charge, to speak the Gospel of Life at the ballot box: “Make sure your voice is heard, and your vote is counted for we are called not only to be citizens, but faithful citizens.”
Bishop Burbidge concluded by addressing the priests in the cathedral’s right transept. “My brother priests: Today, you renew your promises, which is essential because sometimes we fail in living our vocation in a manner worthy of the call we have received,” he said. “Never stop trying. Never lose heart. Our merciful God blesses your efforts and always allows you to begin anew.”
Following the homily, the priests stood and renewed their priestly promises. The faithful in turn affirmed that they would continue to pray for their priests and their bishop.
Bishop Burbidge then blessed urns filled with the oils of the sick and catechumens. He poured oil into two additional urns, before adding fragrant balsam. He mixed the chrism, then breathed over the urns, representing the Holy Spirit. He offered a prayer of consecration over the chrism. As he prayed, the priests silently extended their right hands toward the chrism, keeping them raised until the conclusion of the prayer.
After Mass, bottles were filled with the oils and chrism for the priests to take back to their parishes.
Father James R. Joseph, parochial vicar of St. Leo the Great Church in Fairfax, said that the oils may be seen year-round in a cabinet in the church called an “ambry.” When priests need the oils for sacraments, the oils “are usually poured into small, metal containers called oil stocks,” he said. “These oil stocks also have cotton in them to prevent the oil from spilling or drying out too quickly.”
For Father Guilloux, the Chrism Mass “is like a common anniversary shared by all the priests of the diocese, united around the bishop.” He recalled that the Chrism Mass has long had an impact on him. “When I was a young altar boy at St. William of York, Father Andrew Fisher was our parochial vicar for a time. He organized an altar boy ‘field trip’ to the Chrism Mass,” Father Guilloux said. “I remember being amazed by the number of priests who processed in, and by the strong sense of brotherhood and common purpose. I’m sure that early experience contributed to my own discernment of a priestly call.”
Father Joseph said that renewing his priestly promises “always evokes strong emotions and deep reflection — rather like it would be for many people to renew their marriage vows … We are priests forever, even in heaven, and that is a wonderful and significant thing.”
The annual celebration provides priests a rare opportunity to see one another again and catch up. Reflecting on the Mass, Father Malebranche said it comes down to “shared fidelity.”
“You realize more deeply: This is not just my mission, it is ours,” he said of his brother priests.
“There is a real strength that comes from making a promise in communion with others. There is power in standing together, recommitting ourselves to serve God’s people faithfully.”
