Chrism Mass moves Church forward through history

Priests process into SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on April 7 for the archdiocese’s chrism Mass. Catholics from across the archdiocese filled the cathedral for the annual liturgy during which oils are blessed and priests renew the promises made at their ordination. (Photo by Sean Gallagher)

By Sean Gallagher

Within the first year of his appointment as the first bishop of Vincennes 175 years ago, the Servant of God Simon Bruté would have likely celebrated a chrism Mass.

During the annual liturgy, oils are blessed that are used in the celebration of a number of sacraments: baptism, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, and in the ordination of priests and bishops. (Photo gallery | Purchase photo reprints)

Quoting St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, the Catechism of the Catholic Church states that “ ‘the sacraments make the Church’ ” (#1118). Therefore, the blessing of the oils at the chrism Mass has helped the local Church in central and southern Indiana move forward to the present day.

The chrism Mass is also a liturgy during which priests—who lead the faithful in the celebration of the sacraments—renew the promises they made at the time of their ordination.

Catholics from all corners of the archdiocese filled SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis on April 7 during Holy Week for this year’s chrism Mass. Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein, the principal celebrant, was joined by 115 priests and Archabbot Justin DuVall of Saint Meinrad Archabbey in St. Meinrad.

The historical nature of the chrism Mass was on the mind of Deacon William Jones, who ministers at St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus and was ordained in the first class of permanent deacons in the history of the archdiocese last June.

“You hope that we have another 175 years and that the Church keeps growing,” he said. “We can help foster that growth through the Church.”

Deacon Jones said he was scheduled to assist at the celebration of the Easter Vigil at his Seymour Deanery parish during which 13 people were expected to be baptized, all of whom would be anointed with oils blessed at the chrism Mass.

“It’s our first year for being ordained clergy in the Church,” he said. “It will give Holy Week a different meaning.”

In his homily during the Mass, Archbishop Buechlein reflected on the people who stood at the foot of the cross: Mary, the Mother of Jesus, with the Apostle John and Mary Magdalene.

“They never left his side, even in the darkest moments,” Archbishop Buechlein said. “They loved Jesus and supported him. But it was from him that they drew their strength.”

Addressing the priests at the Mass, the archbishop recalled how artists throughout history have often portrayed St. John as leaning into the side of Jesus at the Last Supper.

“They give us a beautiful image of the source of our strength for daily, faithful, priestly ministry,” Archbishop Buechlein said. “The source of our strength is our prayerful friendship with our Lord to whom we are uniquely configured by ordination.”

In his homily, the archbishop suggested ways that all present might enter more prayerfully into Holy Week and the Easter season.

“During this holy week, we join Mary and the beloved disciple and Mary Magdalene at the foot of the Cross,” he said. “And during the Easter season, let’s enter the house of Mary and the beloved [disciple St. John]. Surely, Mary Magdalene is there as well. There, let’s quietly savor with them what the Lord has done for us.”

Among the Mass participants were Arnold and Kathleen Feltz, members of St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis.

About a week before the liturgy, they poured the oils into small bottles that were distributed to representatives of all of the archdiocese’s 151 parishes.

“It’s a privilege and an honor to be able to do that,” said Kathleen Feltz. “I’m just very grateful that I’m able to attend every year, and I look forward to it.”

The Feltzes are the parents of Father Joseph Feltz, the pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in Lawrenceburg, administrator of Immaculate Conception Parish in Aurora and dean of the Batesville Deanery.

“It’s very moving to see all the priests together,” she said. “I really enjoy that.”

Alan and Kathy Hess, members of St. Pius V Parish in Troy in the Tell City Deanery, drove three hours to participate in the chrism Mass and receive the blessed oils for their parish as well as for St. Paul Parish in Tell City and St. Michael Parish in Cannelton.

“It makes you feel that you’re a part of it, that you’re more a part of the Church,” Alan Hess said. “It’s an honor and [a part of] history, too. It just makes you feel good inside knowing that you’re doing something that’s going to help things move on.”

Although driving back to their southern Indiana home after the chrism Mass makes for a late night, the Hesses said they thoroughly enjoy making the trip.

“I love it,” Alan Hess said. “I love everybody being here from all the parishes [and] just the feeling of togetherness and the Spirit of God. It’s just wonderful, wonderful.” †