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| Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Diocese of Nashville. Photo by John Allen Soares |
Every Priest in the entire world reports to his bishop to renew his vows and to profess solidarity with his bishop, in whom, through apostolic succession, the authority and charism and priesthood of the Apostles is preserved.
At this Mass, the oil for the Anointing of the sick and the oil of the Catechumens are blessed and the Chrism Oil is also consecrated, actions that can only be carried out by the bishop (as he is successor of the apostles.) These oils are used in Sacraments throughout the Diocese for the entire year.
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| The Chrism Mass at Saint Peter's Basilica Courtesy of Catholic News Service (CNS photo/@paul.haring) |
Pictured above is the presbyterate (the priesthood) of Rome gathered at Saint Peter's Basilica this morning in solidarity with Pope Francis, who is bishop of the Diocese of Rome and the 265th successor of Peter.
This has always been one of my favorite outward signs of the Church's unity throughout history.
Rome, the heart of where so many of us died for this religion in the first 300 years after the Ascension of Christ, that is where it is most boldly seen throughout the rest of history.
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. And Rome is the physical sign of that reality.
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. And Rome is the physical sign of that reality.
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| "Holy Thursday" By Rene De Cramer |
