Bishop Julius celebrates Chrism Mass at St Mary's Cathedral

Priests renewing their commitment

Sandakan : All the seven priests of the Diocese of Sandakan gathered for the Chrism Mass, which Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom con celebrated with his priests at St Mary’s Cathedral on Friday evening, 5th March 2010.

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and significant liturgy where the clergy of the diocese are all together in the Cathedral at one time. The Mass highlights the priestly ministry and the union of the lay faithful with them.

They renewed their commitment to their priestly ministry and to the service of the Bishop.

Blessing of oils

After offertory, Bishop Julius then blessed the three vessels of oils carried by Fr Phillip Muji, Fr Jasery and Fr Marcellinus, to be used in administering the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, holy orders and the anointing of the sick.

Bishop Julius in his homily said that originally Chrism Mass is celebrated early in the day on Holy Thursday, but taking into account that all priests were around the Cathedral Parish for the Lenten confession as well as to attend the bi monthly priests meeting, thus the date was chosen for the said celebration.

The prelate called upon the parishioners to always remember to pray for their priests that they may receive the Lord’s blessing to continue to serve in building up God’s Kingdom. Priests need the support of the people of God.

Bishop Julius said, ‘Pray for the priests and me too, that we remain faithful to the priesthood.’

Bishop Julius with all the priests 

airene & ds