KK Archdiocese celebrates the Mass of Chrism

KOTA KINABALU – The Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese celebrated the Mass of Chrism at the Sacred Heart Cathedral here on 6 Apr 2017.

In his homily, Archbishop John Wong expressed his joy at the sight of over a thousand lay faithful present in support of their priests.  He then explained the important role the chrism oil plays in the life of the church: baptism, confirmation, ordination.

The Mass has two parts: in the first part, after the homily, 34 priests renewed their commitment to priestly service before Archbishop John Wong.  This renewal was introduced by Pope Paul VI into the liturgy.

This was followed by the blessing of oils and the consecration of Chrism.

The blessing of oil is very ancient – there is documented evidence of this liturgy from the fourth century, but it is certainly of earlier origin.

The Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens are plain olive oil – the Oil of Chrism is perfumed with balsam.

The Oil of the Sick was brought to the sanctuary by Father Postinus Kurup. The archbishop blessed this oil praying: ‘May your blessing come upon all who are anointed with this oil, that they may be freed from pain and illness and made well again in body, mind and soul’.

The Oil of Catechumens was brought by Father Jack J Sigam. The archbishop blessed this oil praying that God will ‘give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their baptism.’

Then Father Rhobby Mojolou brought the Oil of Chrism. The archbishop breathed on this oil to invoke the Holy Spirit and consecrated it praying: ‘make this mixture of oil and perfume a sign and source of your blessing. Pour out the gifts of your Holy Spirit on our brothers and sisters who will be anointed with it. Let the splendour of holiness shine on the world from every place and thing signed by this oil’.

All the concelebrants including Abp Emeritus John Lee raised their right hands at the consecration of Chrism.

Stocks of these oils were later taken back to the parishes by their respective pastors.

After the Mass, the oils brought by the faithful for personal use were blessed by Msgr Primus Jouil.