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Arch HartfordArchbishop Christopher Coyne was the principal celebrant of the 2025 Chrism Mass this morning at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Hartford that was livestreamed on this Facebook page.
Here are a few photos of the event. The complete set can be viewed at:
https://www.aohphotos.com/Christmas-Easter-Seasonal-Liturgies/2025/2025-Chrism-MassThe Ceremonial of Bishops says that at the Chrism Mass priests are brought together and concelebrate with their bishop as witnesses and cooperators with him in the consecration of Chrism because they share in the sacred office of the bishop in building up, sanctifying and shepherding the people of God. The Chrism Mass is therefore “a clear expression of the unity of the priesthood and sacrifice of Christ,” which continue to be present among God’s holy people, represented by laity, religious and deacons in attendance from throughout the diocese. It is also an occasion for the priests who are present to renew their commitment to priestly service, with the support and prayers of the whole assembly, gathered in the Cathedral, the mother church of the diocese.
During the solemn celebration, the Archbishop consecrates the Oil of Chrism and blesses the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick.
Sacred Chrism is used in the conferral of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, to anoint the hands of presbyters and the heads of bishops at their Ordination, and in the rites of anointing proper to the consecration of churches and altars. At the Chrism Mass, a fragrance is added to the oil to be consecrated and a solemn consecratory prayer if offered. “Chrism” takes its name from “Christ,” which means “the anointed one.” In the anointing with Chrism at Baptism, the accompanying prayer explains its significance: Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, has freed you from sin, given you new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and joined you to His people. He now anoints you with the Chrism of salvation, so that you may remain as a member of Christ, Priest, Prophet and King, unto eternal life.
The Oil of Catechumens is administered to a person just before Baptism, and its significance is expressed in the prayer of blessing of the oil, which reads: “…bless this oil and give wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for their Baptism…..”
The Oil of the Sick is administered by a priest when he confers the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, which unites the sick to the Passion of Christ and so strengthens them to bear their illness, and confers on them spiritual healing and physical healing too, if such is the will of God.
📷 Aaron Joseph
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