While the traditional time for the yearly MASS OF CHRISM is Holy Thursday morning, for good reasons the Chrism Mass celebrated in cathedral churches throughout the world may be anticipated so that as many priests and faithful as possible may take part.
IN OTTAWA, we celebrate the CHRISM MASS on the TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK AT 7:30 PM in the CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF NOTRE DAME. All are most welcome.
During this Chrism Mass liturgy, the local bishop blesses the oils that are used in the sacraments for the next year. It is a time of celebration, a time of expectation and a time of renewal. During the liturgy priests and bishop are united at the mother church of the diocese to renew their priestly promises as well as celebrate their fraternal ministry. One of the key indications of the degree of celebration this day holds is the singing of the Gloria during the liturgy. We have not heard this joyful annunciation of Christological manifestation since the last Sunday before Lent (with the exception, of course, of the solemnities of St. Joseph and the Annunciation of Our Lord).
The Chrism Mass is a joyful celebration of the sacraments of Holy Orders, as well as a celebration of all the sacraments that shape the worshiping life of the Church. In the Ottawa archdiocese the Chrism Mass is attended by nearly all of the clergy of the local Church, as well as by many religious and representatives from all the parishes.
The liturgy is a time to not only worship during the Eucharistic sacrifice, but a period of enjoying the fraternity of Holy Orders. Whatever parish, whatever county, whatever neighbourhood he comes from, the priests are there with the bishop at the Chrism Mass. That is the special point of the ecclesiastical gathering, not only does it celebrate the unity of the local Church, it celebrates the diversity that exhibits itself in each parish, each community as well as each faithful individual.
One of the things that are frequently forgotten in a diocese is that those ordained share in the Holy Orders of the Bishop. Their activities as priests and deacons emanate from the Episcopal ministry entrusted to the Bishop. The Bishop is the source of sacramental activity in a local community. The ministry of the local bishop clearly links the local Church with the Apostles, the first priests and the Last Supper which instituted the Church’s Eucharistic sacrament.
Such a union also represents solidarity with the Bishop of Rome as well, as each bishop exercises their apostolic authority in union with Peter’s Successor. In archdioceses such as Ottawa, archbishops wear the pallium, an external symbol of his union with Benedict XVI and his successors. The signs and symbols of Catholic beliefs and union are prominent at the Chrism Mass.
Most significantly present are the Catholic people that are the recipients of the sacramental life of the Church, as well as the procreators of new generations of faithful Catholics. The celebration of the Blessing of the Oils as well as Holy Orders and most especially Eucharist indicates how uniquely inclusive our faith is. All members, regardless of rank, ordained and laity, young and old are invited to participate in this magnificent expression of the Church’s liturgical life.
The Chrism Mass is a sort of theological synopsis of the Church’s life and activities, past, present and future. While the Chrism Mass reminds us that we are one Church throughout the world, we most clearly see, sense and feel that we are one Church united through our sacramental activities. The Chrism Mass is a prelude to the Sacred Triduum and the rest of Holy Week.
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QUEL EST CET AMOUREUX
Quel est cet amoureux
De la terre et de nous ?
Il donne un nom aux choses,
Il dit celui de Dieu,
Il tient son nom du nôtre...
Qui donc est l’homme-Dieu ?
Quel est cet amoureux
Sur la colline aux pains,
Au lac des trois tempêtes,
Au mont du clair de Dieu,
Au champ des grains froissés,
Qui donc est l’homme-Dieu ?
Quel est cet amoureux
Au chemin des rameaux,
Au bois des pleurs de sang,
Au jardin du baiser,
Au val du Prince-Nuit,
Qui donc est l’homme-Dieu ?
Quel est cet amoureux
Cour du Vendredi Saint,
Place du « Voici l’homme »,
Rue de la croix portée,
Montée du crève-cœur,
Qui donc est l’homme-Dieu ?
Quel est cet amoureux
Au lieu-dit Diable est mort,
Sur la grève aux poissons,
Dans l’auberge pascale,
Au rendez-vous du ciel,
Qui donc est l’homme-Dieu ?
Quel est cet amoureux
De la terre et de nous ?
Il donne un nom aux choses,
Il dit celui de Dieu,
Il tient son nom du nôtre...
Il est le fou de Dieu.
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