The Chrism Mass this year takes place on Tuesday 31 March at 11.00am in St John’s Cathedral in Portsmouth.
The Mass is one of the main diocesan events of the year and is a celebration of thanksgiving to God for our Diocese of Portsmouth, its clergy, religious and people.
It would be very helpful if anyone who usually works at the Discovery Centre on a Tuesday and is not planning to attend the Mass could work from home that day, so that as many parking spaces as possible are available.
The Mass is the special Liturgy in Holy Week during which the Bishop blesses the three Holy Oils for use in the Sacraments: the Oil of the Blessing of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of Chrism.
The blessing of the Holy Oils is one of the most ancient ceremonies of the Church and it is always celebrated in the Cathedral with the priests, deacons, religious and lay people of the diocese. During the Mass, all the priests make a renewal of their commitment to priestly service, ‘manifesting their communion with the Bishop’ (Roman Missal).
“It is always a wonderful manifestation of the Church in our Diocese of Portsmouth and an opportunity to thank God for our Catholic faith,” says Bishop Philip. “I would like to invite you all to join us for this great celebration.”
