Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney urged Paterson Diocesan faithful to keep their “eyes fixed on Jesus” while entering the Paschal Triduum of Holy Week — Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday — as part of his homily during the annual Chrism Mass he celebrated on April 15 in the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson.
Bishop Sweeney consecrated the Oil of Chrism and blessed the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick during the Mass. These holy oils will be used in parishes throughout the diocese during the coming year in celebration of the sacraments.
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Concelebrating the bilingual Chrism Mass with Bishop Sweeney were priests from around the diocese, along with Bishop Emeritus Arthur J. Serratelli and Benedictine Abbot Jonathan Licari, administrator of St. Mary’s Abbey in Morristown. The priests renewed their priestly promises before the bishop and received the prayers and support of the people of God. Deacons, religious, and laity also attended the liturgy, which was livestreamed.
“We fix our eyes on Jesus as we prepare to enter the Sacred Triduum. We turn our attention to others who live as he lives — to the ones who call us [to holiness] and inspire us to be pilgrims of hope and live lives of faith, hope, and love in service and generosity,” said Bishop Sweeney who reminded the faithful of the Jubilee of Hope 2025, which the universal Church is celebrating. He said that receiving the Eucharist and listening to the Gospels also calls Catholics to holiness. “We are also called to be instruments of peace and unity.”
The Oil of the Sick is used to anoint the sick, the Oil of Catechumens is for those preparing to be baptized, and the Oil of Chrism is used for baptism, confirmation, holy orders, and the consecration of altars. After the Mass, the oils were distributed to representatives from each parish in the diocese.
BEACON PHOTOS | JOE GIGLI
