Posted April 3, 2018

Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated the annual Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday morning, March 29, in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul. The Mass featured the renewal of priestly vows by the hundreds of archdiocesan and religious priests present. The archbishop also blessed the holy oils of sacred chrism, oil of catechumens and oil of the sick that will be used in sacraments of anointing in parishes across the Philadelphia Archdiocese this year. (Photos by Sarah Webb)

  • Seminarian Jamey Moses carries the cross and leads the entrance procession into the cathedral for the start of the Chrism Mass, as Knights of Columbus form an honor guard.

  • Father Brian Connolly, associate pastor at Visitation B.V.M. Parish in Norristown.

  • Father Simione Volavola M.S.C., pastor of St. John the Baptist Parish, Ottsville.

  • Throughout the world on Holy Thursday, priests like the ones present at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul renewed their promises of priestly ordination.

  • Msgr. Michael Carroll, among other priests, prays during the liturgy.

  • Father Joseph Quindlen (right), pastor of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Plymouth Meeting, prays during the liturgy.

  • Archbishop Chaput prays during the rite of blessing of holy oils at the Chrism Mass.

  • Priests including Father Stephen Leva (left), pastor of St. Alphonsus Parish in Maple Glen, together pray the prayer of consecration of the Eucharist during the Chrism Mass.

  • Archbishop Chaput breathes into an urn of holy oil, which was distributed throughout archdiocesan parishes.

  • The three urns of blessed holy oils are taken from the basilica after the blessing rite.

  • Father Louis Bellopede (left), pastor of St. Mary Parish in Schwenskville, and Father Thomas Whittingham, pastor of St. Katharine Drexel Parish in Chester, concelebrate the prayers of consecration of the Eucharist.

  • Rev. Mr. Kyle Adamczyk blesses the congregation with incense during the Chrism Mass March 29 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul.

    Rev. Mr. Kyle Adamczyk blesses the congregation with incense during the Chrism Mass March 29 at the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, where he will be ordained a priest May 19.

  • Father Robert Gross, parochial vicar at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Penndel.

  • Seminarian Austin Robuck

  • The four auxiliary bishops of Philadelphia join Archbishop Charles Chaput at the altar during the consecration of the Eucharist during the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, March 29 in the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Philadelphia.