PROVIDENCE — Bishops, priests, deacons and diocesan seminarians gathered Monday evening at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul for the annual Chrism Mass, one of the most beautiful and important liturgies celebrated during the liturgical year.
In his homily, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin asked those gathered to pray for those affected by floods this week and by the anticipated heavy rains.
Bishop Tobin told his brother priests to “follow Lord Jesus” in holiness as they renewed their commitment to the priesthood during the Year for Priests.
“Holiness is cultivated,” the bishop told those gathered. “We have to work at it.”
Bishop Tobin noted that while some goals are unattainable, others, such as holiness, are well within our grasp.
“Sanctity is attainable,” he emphasized.
He recalled that while most of the saints came from ordinary circumstances, they pursued lives of holiness by following the commandments, receiving the sacraments, seeking guidance from the church and living lives of devotion to God and Jesus Christ.
“They longed for holiness; they thirsted for holiness,” Bishop Tobin told the assembly.
“We have the same opportunity,” he continued. “What is keeping us from growing holy?”
Bishop Tobin cited apathy and spiritual laziness as two of the stumbling blocks that prevent people from growing in holiness.
“We all have the tools to grow in holiness,” he said.
During the Mass, Bishop Tobin blessed the holy oils that are used throughout the diocese in the coming year in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and the anointing of the sick. The Oil of Catechumensis used during the rite of baptism; the Oil of Chrism is used at baptism, and to anoint candidates for confirmation and the priesthood so that they may receive the gift of the Holy Spirit; and the Oil of the Sick is used to anoint all those who are ill and in need of God’s healing love.
Father Joseph Santos, pastor of Holy Name of Jesus Church, Providence, said the Chrism Mass is a source of inspiration.
“It’s the one moment when we as priests come together with our bishop to renew our commitment to priestly ministry and through the blessed and consecrated oils, touch the lives of those entrusted to our care,” he said.
Deacon Derek Puleo, who will be ordained to the priesthood on June 26, said it was “good to see the witness of so many holy priests.
“It was great to see the priests renew their commitment just before I make my own commitment to the priesthood,” he said. “I know that as I am ordained, I will have so many good examples in this diocese.”
Father Roger Gagne said the annual Mass offers priests an opportunity to “recommit themselves to the ministry of the priesthood.
“The blessing of the oil reminds us of God’s desire to pour out his spirit upon us,” he said.
Father Timothy Reilly, vice chancellor of the diocese, said that every Catholic should attend a Chrism Mass.
“The Chrism Mass is an opportunity for the priests and the people they serve to gather around their bishop,” he said. “Just by assembling we witness to the unity of our church.”
Shirley Finelli, mother of Father Jay Finelli, pastor of Holy Ghost Church, Tiverton, described the annual Mass as “holy.”
“The cathedral is such a beautiful place,” she said.
Bishop Tobin was the main celebrant of the Chrism Mass. Bishops Robert C. Evans, Louis E. Gelineau, Ernest B. Boland, Francis X. Roque, Dom Caedmon Holmes, the College of Consultors and the Very Reverend Deans served as designated concelebrants.
Music was provided by the Gregorian Concert Choir under the direction of Msgr. Anthony Mancini, with Philip Faraone as organist.
