Updated 4/13/17 at 2:53 p.m.
Every sacrament uses a perceptible element, such as water or
spoken words, to convey a supernatural reality. In a moment, bread becomes
Christ’s body through the invocation of the priest, men and women promise
themselves to one another until death and a word from the priest absolves all
sin from the penitent.
At the Chrism Mass, oil and chrism become grace that later will
be conferred upon the brow of a catechumen, a person in need of healing or a
newly consecrated house of God. On Holy Thursday, April 13, in the Cathedral of
St. Thomas More, the Arlington church celebrated the institution of the
priesthood and witnessed the blessing of the holy oils by Bishop Michael F.
Burbidge.
Olive oil was used in ancient times to signify honor and respect,
and that something or someone was set apart for a special purpose. In the first
reading from Isaiah, oil is compared to a diadem and a “glorious mantle” that
will replace ashes, mourning and a listless spirit.
In his homily, Bishop Burbidge reflected on the diocesan events
he has been a part of thus far. In January, he attended the Life is Very Good
rally prior to the March for Life in Washington with hundreds of students.
“Life is very good because of its Source, the Lord our God, who
created us in His own image and likeness. We are His anointed ones,” he said.
Bishop Burbidge celebrated Mass at the men’s and women’s conferences,
“Girding for Battle” and “Breaking Free through Forgiveness.” He is grateful
for this year’s Bishop’s Lenten Appeal titled, “Offering Hands to Serve and
Hearts to Love.”
“We are merely His hands, His instruments,” said Bishop Burbidge.
“It is Christ who sanctifies, enlightens and transforms us. And so, in just a few
moments, the sacred chrism will be consecrated and the oils of the catechumens
and the sick will be blessed. They will be carried home to our churches and
communities for the celebration of the sacraments and as visible signs of God’s
saving power in our midst.”
The Chrism Mass was also a celebration of the diocese’s many
priests. At the start of the Mass, around 100 priests in white vestments
processed into the cathedral, kissed the altar and took their seats. After the
homily, they renewed their priestly promises in front of the bishop and
congregation. Bishop Burbidge thanked them for their service and their
brotherly affection toward him.
“Perhaps the most important promise you make today and the best
gift you give to those entrusted to your care is your commitment to be more
united with the Lord Jesus and more closely conformed to Him,” he told them.
The priests were joined by Bishop Emeritus Paul S. Loverde, deacons,
seminarians, religious men and women, members of the Knights of Columbus,
Knights of Peter Claver and other groups as well as the laity. As they have for
several years, many parishioners of St. Paul Chung Church in Fairfax came to
the Mass, some wearing traditional Korean garb.
“We have a new bishop and we just want to celebrate with him,”
said parishioner Agnes Suk. “We’re happy to be here.”
Yseth Laboy, a parishioner of All Saints Church in Manassas,
brought her two young daughters to the Chrism Mass. On Sundays, Laboy and her
husband produce a show on RadioMaria, but she is glad she has flexibility
during the week to take her children to Mass, including the Chrism Mass.
“It’s a real privilege to see all our priests of the diocese
renew their vows,” she said. “Thanks to our priests, every single day we have
the Eucharist and I’m so grateful for that.”
