Chrism Mass And Renewal of Priestly Promises

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Sandakan : Chrism Mass is the celebration of the mystery of the ministerial priesthood, closely related to the Priesthood of Christ. Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of Sandakan presided at the mass, concelebrated by all the seven priests of the Diocese, Msgr Nicholas Ong, Fr Thomas Makajil, Fr Simon, Fr Jasery, Fr David, Fr Anthony and Fr Marcellinus as well as Fr Charles Chiew from the Diocese of Keningau at St Mary's Cathedral, Friday, 30th March 2012.

Seminarian Stanley William proclaiming the 1st reading in BM  - Isaiah 61 : 1-3, 6, 8-9

Yvonne Chin proclaiming the 2nd reading in Chinese - Rev 1 : 5 - 8

Fr David proclaiming the Good News taken from Luke 4 : 16 -21

Bishop Julius in his homily

Of all liturgical gatherings, the Chrism Mass most eloquently expresses the unity of the whole diocese with the presence of the lay faithful and religious, clergy and the Bishop. In his homily, the prelate said, 'This mass is therefore a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, which continue to be present in the Church.'

He explained explicitly about the three oils to be blessed, the Oil of Catechumens, Oil for Anointing the Sick and the Chrism Oil. The oils will be used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders and in the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.

He was moved and encouraged with the lay faithful in the various ministries, communities and BECs praying for the priests in their gatherings.

He went on to say,  'Continue to pray for all of us so that we may be able to discharge our duty in accordance with Christ's will.' 

Turning to his brother priests, he said 'Today it is the occasion for us, priests, to renew our commitment which we joyfully pronounced during our ordination; that today we should renew our commitment to holiness in life, that we renew our commitment to sacred celibacy and that we renew our commitment to faithful service.'

He believed that the priests are deeply involved in the search for holiness and self-giving to Christ. He wished that they find joy and strength in whatever effort they are making.

Bringing forth the vessels of oil to be consecrated

Consecrating the Oil of Catechumens

Oil for Anointing the Sick

The Chrism Oil

The Sacred Chrism : 'Fill it with the power of your Holy Spirit through Christ your Son.'

Bishop Julius presiding the Mass, concelebrated by his brother priests

Front row : L-R Fr David, Msgr Nicholas, Bishop Julius, Fr Thomas and Fr Marcellinus
Back row : Fr Anthony Mikat, Fr Simon Kontou, Fr Jasery, Fr Charles Chiew

As members of the Church, each has a unique part to play; laity, religious and clergy. In carrying out and fulfilling the mission of the Church, we need the collaborative effort of every part of the Body, according to the gifts we received in our own ways and situations.

After the Mass, the Cathedral hosted a dinner reception for the Bishop and the clergy at the rectory