“LIFT High the Cross” sung by a packed St Stephen’s Cathedral congregation was one of many highlights at this year’s annual Chrism Mass in Brisbane.
The cathedral’s associate pastor Fr Paul Chandler said the hymn had been taken up in a “rousing and beautiful” way after Communion by what seemed to be the whole congregation.
Fr Chandler was also full of praise for the large turnout for the Mass to bless the oils of chrism, the catechumenate and the infirmed.
“The numbers were especially remarkable given the awful weather,” he said.
More than 100 priests as well as student and teacher representatives from 15 schools throughout Brisbane archdiocese joined with parishioners to celebrate the event, held on the evening of April 2.
St Stephen’s director of music Dr Ralph Morton led a combined cathedral, parish and school choir.
Archbishop John Bathersby’s homily focused on the great gift of the sacraments, Fr Chandler said.
“The archbishop spoke about the sacramental life of the Church and how we should all rejoice in the sacraments as gifts to us from God,” he said.
After the homily the oils were presented to Archbishop Bathersby to be blessed.
After the blessing of the oils, priests and deacons renewed their commitment to their ministry and all the congregation renewed their commitment to live as God’s people.
The three oils will be presented at Holy Thursday Masses (April 9) in the individual parishes for use until next Easter.
