Chrism Mass

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Pope Francis presides at the Vatican's chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, March 28, 2024.

On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis asks priests to weep over their sins

Mar 28, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis encouraged the priests to turn their gaze upon the crucified Lord and weep over their sins in repentance,... Read more

Pope Francis presided over a Chrism Mass at which more than 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewed the promises made at their ordinations on April 6, 2023.

Pope Francis celebrates ‘the birthday of the priesthood’ with 1,800 priests on Holy Thursday

Apr 6, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The pope said that on “the birthday of the priesthood,” he wanted to highlight the vital presence the Holy Spirit... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates the Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, April 14, 2022.

Pope Francis at Chrism Mass: The devil tempts priests with ‘hidden idols’

Apr 14, 2022

By Hannah Brockhaus

‘The priest with a functionalist mindset has his own nourishment, which is his ego,’ he said. Read more

Pope Francis offers the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on April 1, 2021.

Pope Francis tells priests at Chrism Mass: ‘The cross is non-negotiable’

Apr 1, 2021

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis told priests at Thursday’s Chrism Mass at the Vatican that “the cross is non-negotiable” when preaching the Gospel. Read more

Pope Francis celebrates the Chrism Mass April 18, 2019.

Pope Francis: Like holy oil, priests must pour themselves out for others

Apr 18, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

The holy oil blessed at the Chrism Mass is a reminder of the priest’s call to be close to the... Read more

Bishop Michael Olson.

Bishop Olson: Liturgical fidelity fosters unity, discipleship

Apr 2, 2018

At the Chrism Mass celebrated during Holy Week, a Texas bishop offered reflections on the Church’s liturgical life, telling priests... Read more

Pope Francis says the Chrism Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on March 29, 2018.

A good priest makes Christ present to his people, Pope says at Chrism Mass

Mar 29, 2018

By Hannah Brockhaus

At his annual Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis said that a good priest is one who is close... Read more

Pope Francis lighting the Easter candle, Easter Vigil 2015.

'Opportunities for conversion' - the liturgies of Holy Week

Mar 28, 2018

By Perry West

Any priest will tell you that Easter Sunday Mass is one of the most highly attended of the year, alongside... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Chrism Mass in St. Peters Basilica April 13 2017.

The Gospel is never gloomy, but joyful, Pope tells priests

Apr 13, 2017

By Elise Harris

During his annual Chrism Mass for Holy Week Pope Francis told priests to always convey the truth and mercy of... Read more

Priests concelebrate with Pope Francis during the Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica March 24, 2016.

Your task is to incarnate mercy, Pope Francis tells priests

Mar 24, 2016

By Elise Harris

During Holy Thursday’s Chrism Mass Pope Francis focused on the topic of mercy, telling priests that one of their primary... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Holy Thrusday's Chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica April 2, 2015.

Don't flirt with spiritual worldliness, Pope cautions priests

Apr 2, 2015

By Elise Harris

During Holy Thursday’s Chrism Mass Pope Francis warned priests not to fall into a tiredness that leads to worldliness, and... Read more

Pope Francis blesses sacred oils during the Chrism Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on April 17, 2014.

Priests must anoint others with oil of gladness, Pope reflects

Apr 17, 2014

By Elise Harris

In his homily given during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, Pope Francis spoke on the joy of the priestly... Read more