In a homily during the April 1, 2026, Chrism Mass at the St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Donkorkrom, the Bishop revealed that the Chrism Mass is an occasion where the bishop concelebrates with his college of priests, as a manifestation of the communion that exists between the priests and their bishop.
He added that the Chrism Mass is a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ, which continues to be present in the Church, and an occasion during which all priests renew their resolve to be more united with the Lord Jesus and be more closely conformed to him in self-denial, and by discharging their duties well in the Church.
He further elucidated that it is at the Chrism Mass that the bishop blesses the Oils of the Sick and Catechumens and consecrates the Holy Chrism. The oil of the sick, he expounded, is used to bring comfort and support to the sick in their infirmity, while the oil of catechumens is used in the preparation of the catechumens for their baptism.
The holy chrism that the bishop consecrates is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of priests and the heads of bishops at their ordination, he continued, adding that it is also used in the rites of anointing during the dedication of Churches and Altars.
The prelate further enlightened that the reason why all the priests in the Vicariate come together and concelebrate the Chrism Mass as witnesses and cooperators with their bishop in the consecration of the holy chrism is that they share in the Sacred Office of the bishop in “building up, sanctifying and ruling the people of God”.
He declared that Christians are sacramentally anointed with holy chrism, which allows them to participate in the fullness of the Spirit that Jesus received at his very conception. “In him, we are consecrated to be faithful witnesses in the world to the salvation Christ won for all humanity,” he underlined, adding that the life and service of every Christian must proclaim to all, but especially, the downtrodden, a year of favour from the Lord.
The Local Ordinary further explicated that the renewal of priestly promises at the Chrism Mass is an invitation for each priest to evaluate himself on his faithfulness to these promises or otherwise, over the period of his priestly life and service, as he posed them some soul-searching questions:
“In sincerity and honesty, are you happy or satisfied with your priestly stewardship? Are you a priest after the heart of Christ? Do you live in the true spirit of charity and priestly fraternity with your fellow priests and your bishop? Judging by your conduct, attitude, your way of life, and your commitment to your priestly duties, do you announce a year of favour from God to your parishioners?
To the Lay faithful, who have an important role to play in the life and ministry of their priests, the Chief Shepherd reiterated that the Chrism Mass was an opportunity for them to pray for their priests, especially as they renewed their commitment to serve them, the lay faithful, “from pure motif of love for Christ, and they are resolved to do so willingly and joyfully, without seeking for any gain, profit, or reward, but with the sole aim, desire, wish, being zeal for souls”.
“Ask the Lord to pour out his gifts abundantly upon them. Pray that the Lord will keep them faithful as ministers of Christ, the High Priest. Pray that your priests may not lead you astray, but lead you to Christ, who is the source of salvation,” he implored.
Chrism Mass is also an occasion where the faithful are called to pray for their Bishop, the prelate buttressed. “You are to pray for me, your bishop, too, that I may be faithful to the Apostolic Office entrusted to me in my lowliness-yes, I should never forget that my lowliness. I do not merit or deserve the office of bishop; it is by God’s grace. It is a privilege, it is an honour done me by God, in his love and mercy,” he admitted.
“Pray for me, that my head may not be swollen with pride and arrogance, but to be always conscious of my lowliness, and humble myself before God and before you, for whom I have been made Shepherd,” he besought, praying that he may day-after-day, become a living and more perfect image of Christ, the Priest, the Good Shepherd, the Teacher and above all, the Servant of all.
“Let us constantly entrust ourselves to the Lord, and to pray for each other, that in our common vocation as baptized Christians, and with respect to our particular or specific vocations, we may be faithful in whatever promises we have made to Christ,” he enjoined.
Present at the Chrism Mass were Religious Sisters from the three female Congregations in the Vicariate: the Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Church (SMMC), Missionary Sisters, Servants of the Holy Spirit (SSpS), and Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary (MSHR). Also present was Bro. Samuel Elorm Dagadu, SVD, students of St. Mary’s Vocational / Technical Senior High School, Adeemmra, representatives from all the Parishes across the Vicariate, among others.
By Sr. Sylvie Lum Cho, MSHR (DEPSOCOM, Donkorkrom Apostolic Vicariate)
