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Cardinal Wuerl shared with the priests of this Archdiocese (at the Chrism Mass last month) the full remarks of Pope Benedict that were given during the ad limina visit by bishops of this region. I had seen excerpts, but never the full set of remarks. They are powerful and ought to receive careful consideration by us all.To that end, I would like to share substantial excerpts and offer a few reflections of my own. As is usual the original text is in bold, black italic text. My own comments are in red plain text.For her part, the Church in the...

April 21, 2011Holy ThursdayChrism Mass  Reading 1Responsorial PsalmReading 2Gospel Reading 1Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,because the LORD has anointed me;He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly,to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesand release to the prisoners,To announce a year of favor from the LORDand a day of vindication by our God,to comfort all who mourn;To place on those who mourn in Ziona diadem instead of ashes,To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning,a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit.You yourselves shall be named priests...

Chrism Mass: Sharing in the Anointing of the Christ By Rev. Christopher Bazyouros One of my favorite moments in the Rite of Baptism for Children is the post-baptismal anointing with chrism oil. Its fragrant aroma stirs profound memories of moments in my life, especially those connected with my priesthood.One moment, certainly, was the day of my priestly ordination when that same oil was poured over my hands by Cardinal Roger Mahony. The foundation of that moment was laid many months before at the celebration of the Chrism Mass on 14 April, 2003. My classmates and I, being deacons at...

Why Only One Chrism Mass Commemorating Saints in Lent ROME, MARCH 16, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Answered by Legionary of Christ Father Edward McNamara, professor of liturgy at the Regina Apostolorum university.Q: I recently heard of a diocese with two co-cathedrals having two Chrism Masses each year. Is this proper, given the fact it seems to take away from the sign of the oneness of the diocesan celebration? Are their any norms or standard practices for dioceses with two cathedrals in regards to Chrism Masses? -- D.T., Dallas, Texas A: Apart from the rubrics in the Missal, the essential norms regarding this point...

Dear Brothers and Sisters, In the Upper Room, on the eve of his Passion, the Lord prayed for his disciples gathered about him. At the same time he looked ahead to the community of disciples of all centuries, “those who believe in me through their word” (Jn 17:20). In his prayer for the disciples of all time, he saw us too, and he prayed for us. Let us listen to what he asks for the Twelve and for us gathered here: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have...

Archbishop Charles Chaput  Other Articles by Archbishop Charles ChaputPrinter Friendly Version   Priests: Ordinary Men Made Extraordinary by Grace April 4, 2008 A friend of mine grew up in a family where her father worked for General Motors. When she was young, the company transferred her dad around the Midwest every few years. The good news is that she made many different friends, some of whom have lasted a lifetime. The bad news is that she never really set down roots until adulthood. She has no single city or town from her childhood that she remembers as "home." Military...

April 13, 2006 Holy ThursdayChrism Mass Psalm: Thursday 17 Reading 1Is 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me,because the LORD has anointed me;He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly,to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesand release to the prisoners,To announce a year of favor from the LORDand a day of vindication by our God,to comfort all who mourn;To place on those who mourn in Ziona diadem instead of ashes,To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning,a glorious mantle instead of a listless spirit. You yourselves shall be...

April 17, 2003Holy ThursdayChrism Mass Psalm: Thursday Week 18 Reading I Responsorial Psalm Reading II Gospel Reading IIs 61:1-3a, 6a, 8b-9 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,because the Lord has anointed me;He has sent me to bring glad tidings to the lowly,to heal the brokenhearted,To proclaim liberty to the captivesand release to the prisoners,To announce a year of favor from the Lordand a day of vindication by our God,to comfort all who mourn;To place on those who mourn in Ziona diadem instead of ashes,To give them oil of gladness in place of mourning,a glorious mantle instead of...