It’s a tradition rooted in the early church, the Chrism Mass. That’s when the bishop blesses the holy oils — the oil of catechumens, oil of the sick, and oil of Chrism — to be used during the sacraments for the rest of the year.
On Monday of Holy Week, all of Viatorian priests who serve in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region attended the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Raymond in Joliet, with other priests and deacons from around the Joliet Diocese.
The Mass was a special one for Viatorian Associate David Surprenant, who was chosen to do one of the readings.
Bishop R. Daniel Conlon blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick, and the oil of chrism, but he also acknowledged the ministry of priests as they renewed their commitment of service and received prayers and support from those at the Mass.