The Chrism Mass is a visible sign of the unity of the Church

Rector of the Boise Cathedral Father Germán Osorio and Sarah Inman carry the gifts of olive oil and balsam that will become Sacred Chrism oil. (ICR Photo)

“The Chrism Mass, which the Bishop concelebrates with priests from various regions of the diocese, and during which he consecrates the Sacred Chrism and blesses the other oils, is among the principal manifestations of the fullness of the Bishop’s priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond of the priests with him.” (The Order of Blessing the Oil of Catechumens and of the Sick and of Consecrating the Chrism, §1.)

This year, the Chrism Mass will be celebrated at the Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist in Boise on Thursday, April 3, at 10:30 a.m.

The joyful liturgy includes the renewal of vows made by priests at their ordinations. With these vows, they promise faithful service to the bishop and, with him, to the people of God.

After Mass, the holy oils are given to representatives from each parish, who carry them back to their community. On Holy Thursday, these oils are processed into each church, an offering from the bishop to the faithful under his care.

In this way, the sick of the smallest mission or station are comforted in their illness with an oil blessed by their bishop; catechumens in the northernmost parish are strengthened with the same oil used for catechumens on the Idaho’s southeastern border. The same oil of Chrism used to confirm high school students in Grangeville anoints the hands of priests when they are ordained at the cathedral in Boise. Each anointing is, in a sense, an expression of the bishop’s care for his flock.

Olive oil is used for all three Holy Oils (it may be another plant oil, if appropriate). Sacred Chrism is the only Holy Oil with a fragrance. In our diocese, Chrism is scented with balsam essence. The balsam essence is poured into the oil immediately before the bishop breathes over the open jar with its fragrant contents, an action reminiscent of the wind moving over the waters in the creation narrative, as well as of the action of Jesus breathing on his disciples so that they might receive the Holy Spirit (Jn 20:22).

Understanding the importance of the Chrism Mass, Idaho parishes have arranged for parishioners to caravan to the Cathedral, renting buses and making a day of it in Boise. For many years, fourth graders from their Catholic school in Eastern Idaho journeyed to this Mass, accompanied by their teachers and clergy. These children were seated in the front row so that they could witness the sacramental and ministerial work of the Church firsthand.

A visible sign of the unified Church is concretely manifested when the ordained and lay faithful gather around their bishop during the Chrism Mass. All the faithful are invited and encouraged to attend—what better way to acknowledge the ancient Catholic principle of lex orandi, lex credendi: as we pray, so we believe.