Chrism Mass : A Renewal of Priestly Promises

Article by Euthalia

Photos by Soccom

Sandakan: The Chrism Mass was finally celebrated this year. The celebration was unable to be celebrated due to pandemic Covid - 19 which hit the world by storm beginning March 2020. The reduced number of cases in the recent updates had allowed the reopening of the church and other places of worship by the government and taking all necessary precautions especially strictly adhering to the SOP.

Deacon Arthur, proclaiming the Gospel reading

The Chrism Mass at St. Mary Cathedral, Sandakan was held on 24th March 2021.  Rt Rev Julius Dusin Gitom, the Bishop of Sandakan presided at the Mass, concelebrated by all the seven priests of the Diocese, Fr Thomas Makajil, Fr Simon Kontou, Fr Phillip Muji, Fr David Garaman, Fr Stanley William Matakim, Fr Christopher Ireneus, and Fr Dafrinn Diwol. Msgr Nicholas Ong and Fr Marcellinus Pongking unable to join due to their health condition. However, the mass was merrier with the presents of three deacons, Deacon Stephen Esguerra, Deacon Andy Borine, and Deacon Arthur John.

Bishop Julius in his homily

In his homily, Bishop Julius Gitom recalled back last year’s liturgical especially Sunday Eucharist and other celebrations conducted not in the normal way such as the celebrations of the sacrament of Baptism, Marriages, Holy Orders, etc. and even the ordination being postponed. This pandemic has also restricted all activities such as reaching out to the sick, to the elderly, to the dying, and even going to the hospital. Hopefully, this year our church can celebrate the sacraments in the normal way.

Renewal of their Priestly vows

However, this pandemic had open opportunities such as online business, online courses, online meetings, and also online masses. With this, millions of the faithful had joined the virtual Sunday mass or other prayer opportunities at the same time. We are in union with the whole Catholics in the world.

Deacon Arthur, bringing forth the vessels of the oil of the sick.

His Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom hopes that all parishioners continue to be committed to God by receiving the Bread of Life and supporting all the priests.

“We should always be thankful to God for the life that Christ had given to us. The Vision and Mission belong to God, but we are as children of God should live out the Vision and Mission and continue the ministry of the church.”

Deacon Andy, bringing forth the vessels of the oil of the Catechumens.

After the homily, all priest received their blessings from Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom in celebration of their priesthood and also reaffirms their ministry by renewing the promises made at their ordination.

Deacon Stephen, bringing forth the vessels of the oil of the Consecration of Chrism.

After the blessing, Bishop Dusin Gitom blessed the Oil of Anointing of the Sick, Oil for Catechumens, and the oil of the Consecration of the Chrism. The oils will be used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders and the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.