THE Chrism Mass, a key Mass for the year in Brisbane archdiocese, drew a large congregation to St Stephen’s Cathedral on the evening of April 14.
Archbishop John Bathersby of Brisbane, at the Mass attended by more than 100 priests as well as deacons and pastoral associates, blessed the oil of catechumens, the oil of the sick and the oil of chrism.
At the end of the Mass, the archbishop was presented with a new pastoral staff (crozier) to mark the archdiocese’s sesquicentenary.
Dean of St Stephen’s Fr Ken Howell said it was pleasing to see such a large turnout for the archdiocese’s “key Mass of the year”.
“This is particularly so, as the recommitment of priests to their ministry is such a significant part of the Chrism Mass,” he said.
As always those bringing forward the various oils for blessing had a connection to their purpose.
Hospital chaplain Missionary of the Sacred Heart Father Des Holm brought forward the oil of the sick for blessing, Deacon Nigel Sequiera, who will be ordained in June, carried the oil of chrism and Samuel Behm, 8, of Carina parish, presented the oil which will be used for Confirmation later in the year.
Fr Howell said the presentation of the crozier to Archbishop Bathersby at the end of the Mass was appropriate for a couple of reasons.
“First of all, the Chrism Mass had drawn a large number of priests so it was an opportune time for the presentation and blessing of the new pastoral staff,” he said.
“There was also the link to the recommitment of priests to their ministry at the Mass.”
The commissioning of the crozier came after priests of the archdiocese, both diocesan and religious, were invited to donate a commemorative gift to mark the 2009 sesquicentenary of Brisbane archdiocese.
The crozier was designed and created by Dan and John Flynn, of Kyneton, Victoria.
The brief of its design was to create a pastoral staff that reflected both the archdiocese and its cathedral.
Engraved in the metal are the words from Jeremiah – Pastores davo vobis: “I will give you shepherds after my own heart” (Jer. 3:15).
