Posted April 21, 2014

Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated the annual Chrism Mass with hundreds of priests of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia on Holy Thursday, April 17, at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. During the well-attended Mass all the priests renewed their priestly promises. Archbishop Chaput also blessed the Oil of Catechumens and Oil of the Sick, and consecrated the Oil of Chrism. The priests then took the oils back to their parishes to use in the coming year in celebration of the sacraments. Also watch a video of the Mass here. (Photos and video by Sarah Webb)

  • The priests leave the cathedral at the recessional concluding Mass.

  • Father David Friel drinks the Blood of Christ from the chalice.

  • Priests offer one another the sign of peace, including Msgr. Francis Depman (left) to Msgr. Thomas Mullin.

  • Priests together pray the prayer of consecration of the Eucharist.

  • Archbishop Chaput mixes fragrant balsam into the oil of sacred chrism.

  • The archbishop prays the blessing of the holy oils.

  • The oils are presented by the deacons to the archbishop for the rite of blessing during the annual Chrism Mass. The oils were later distributed for use in parishes throughout the archdiocese.

  • Deacons prepare to present sacramental oils to be blessed by Archbishop Chaput.

  • From left, Auxiliary Bishops Louis A. DeSimone, Robert P. Maginnis, Michael J. Fitzgerald, John J. McIntyre and Timothy C. Senior concelebrate the Chrism Mass.

  • Fr. Tom Mullin St. Elizabeth, Msgr. Francis Depman

  • Msgr. Stephen McHenry, pastor of St. Anthony Parish in Ambler, concelebrates Mass.