I had never been to a Chrism Mass before and found it quite a beautiful way to begin Holy Week. Sacred Heart Cathedral in downtown Richmond was positively packed. I recognized several of the priests and deacons, since I’ve attended different parishes in both Roanoke and Richmond over the years, was involved in Catholic Campus Ministry at Hollins, and have been active in parish life here.
Two very moving parts of this once a year Mass were when all of the priests stood up and did a renewal of their vows of Holy Orders and when every priest, even the one who lives at Little Sisters of the Poor and uses a walker, rose to pray the Consecration when it was time for the Eucharistic prayer.
It was a moving experience I shared with my mom, her/our friends from the Pastoral Center, and thousands of other people. I’d like to take part in the Chrism Mass every year. What a powerful experience to be there with the bishop, priests, clergy, religious and faithful from around the Diocese at the beginning of Holy Week to see, here, and experience the beauty and Truth upheld by the Catholic Church.
