Southern Nebraska Register
All are invited to the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd. in Lincoln, on Monday of Holy Week, April 14, at 5 p.m.
At the Chrism Mass, Bishop James Conley will bless the three sacred oils used in the sacraments throughout the diocese — Chrism, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. The priests of the diocese renew the priestly vows made at their ordinations.
The Chrism Mass has historically been held on Holy Thursday, the day the Lord gave the Church the priesthood and the command of service. The Chrism Mass expresses the service each priest is called to live, and is a reminder of the many ways in which the Church provides for the needs of her children: through the sacred oils which provide for the needs of the people in a powerful way.
While in many dioceses the Chrism Mass is held on Holy Thursday, in the Diocese of Lincoln, the annual Chrism Mass is held on Monday of Holy Week each year. The Lincoln Diocese encompasses more than 23,000 square miles, so by moving the Mass to Monday, it is easier for the priests of the diocese to travel to Lincoln for the Mass, and then return to their parishes for other Holy Week liturgies.
See also: photos from the 2024 Chrism Mass
The priests of the diocese renew the priestly vows made at their ordinations during the Chrism Mass, and priests celebrating milestone anniversaries (known as “jubilees”) are given special recognition at a dinner with their brother priests.
Jubilarians this year include Emeritus Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, who will mark the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination. Father Patrick O’Byrne, now retired to his native Ireland, will also observe the 65th anniversary of his ordination this year.
