The annual Chrism Mass took place Tuesday morning, April 4, at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich. Hundreds of faithful communicants continued the celebration of Holy Week leading up to Easter.
The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, blessed the sacramental oils that will be used by parishes throughout the diocese in the coming year for baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and the ordination of priests.
After his homily, the Bishop led the Renewal of Priestly Promises before the assembled priests and Jubilarians. "Our priests are here to renew their priestly promises, and we gather together in spirit with the faithful throughout our Diocese to call upon the Savior of the world to renew His presence in our lives, our ministries and our work in building God's kingdom in this portion of His vineyard," Bishop Cote remarked.
The priests resolved to renew their promises, to be more united with and more closely conformed to the Lord, to “be faithful stewards of the mysteries of God” in liturgical rites and to “discharge faithfully the office of teaching.”