Milagres Cathedral observes Udupi Diocesan blessings of Holy Oils, Chrism Mass and Priest Day

By Richard DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi : The Blessings of Holy Oils, Chrism Mass and Priest Day was observed at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur of the Udupi diocese on Thursday, April 10, 2025. Most Rev Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo, Bishop of Udupi diocese con-celebrated the Solemnly Eucharistic celebrations with record number of diocesan and religious priests.

 

In the morning, the diocesan pre-synod meeting was held at Anugraha Pastoral Center, Kakkunje with all the diocesan and religious priests headed by Diocese Bishop till noon which was earlier supposed to be held at Milagres Cathedral campus.

 

At around 3.45pm, prior to the mass, the Bishop along with all the priests gathered at Milagres Tri-centenary Hall and proceeded towards the Milagres Cathedral and took a group photo of the priests in front of the portico of the Cathedral.

 

At 3.55 pm, five minutes earlier than normally supposed to be at 4pm, the Chrism mass which is usually held in the diocesan Cathedral and blessed the three kinds of Sacred Oils, all of which signify the work of the Holy Spirit and symbolize it in that oil, “Serves to Sweeten, to Strengthen, to render Supple”.

In his beautiful and meaningful homily, Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo dominated the responsibility of the priests to serve God with His mission for the community of God. Priest is a person of God who is appointed by Him. It is therefore an act of the virtue of priests implying the deepest reverence of God. Priest is one who forwards the mission of Christ to the faithful people, Priest should bring faithful people together. It is the spiritual power of a priest to bring believers together including the youth.

 

He said the priest is given a sacred power to serve God’s people, to lead them to union with God. He does this principally by teaching the people, shepherding them through leadership, offering pastoral care and spiritual guidance and sanctifying them through the Sacraments. The primary function of all priests is administering the churches seven sacraments, baptism, confirmation, confirmation, confession, Holy Communion, marriage, holy orders and anointing of the sick. The Parish priest has a twofold obligation to proclaim the Gospel and work toward the salvation of souls. In the fulfillment of these duties he is to involve the entire parish community.

 

Bishop said it would be the responsibility of a parish priest for the growth of the community and to serve the parish community systematically. God’s shepherd recognizes his community. Priests should learn to respect others and to work towards the people of God. Priests can continue to work as leaders within their religious communities. The leadership of a priest is not solely dependent on their attire but rather on their knowledge, dedication and ability to serve their congregation.

 

Bishop called the faithful to pray for priests who dominate the community like a shepherd. He called the youth to desire to become priesthood for the mission of Christ.

 

Meanwhile, it is appropriate that the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Holy Chrism which are blessed by the Bishop during the Chrism Mass be presented to and received by the local parish community.

 

During the mass, priests asked to stand and renew the promises made on their ordination time and witnessed the priests who again pledged their lives and love to Jesus.

 

At the end, Rector of the Cathedral Very Rev Mngr. Ferdinand Gonsalves gave the words of gratitude to all concerned including Bishop, Chancellor, PRO, five deans of the diocese deaneries, clergy of the diocese and religious, faithful at large and others.

 

Meanwhile, the sponsor of the celebrations, Mr Steevan and Mrs Preema Lewis was honored by the Bishop with a decorated candle. The Bishop also thanked the Rector of the Cathedral and all concerned on the success of 13th year of Chrism Mass.

 

Nearly hundred priests including Vicar General of the Diocese, Monsignor Fr. Ferdinand Gonsalves, Chancellor of the diocese Very Rev Fr. Stephan D’souza, PRO of the diocese Rev Fr. Denis D’Sa, and all five deans along with other religious priests were present.

 

Rev Fr. Wilson D’Souza of Anugraha moderated proceedings during the mass. Soft drinks and snacks were served to all the participants after the mass.

 

The Udupi district had been a part of the Diocese of Mangalore since 1887. The Udupi diocese was inaugurated on 15th October 2012.by Apostolic Nunicio of India Salvatore Pennacchio at Milagres Cathedral. Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo was appointed the first Bishop of Udupi diocese.

The three Holy Oils are :

The Oil of Catechumens ("Oleum Catechumenorum" or "Oleum Sanctum") used in Baptism along with water, in the consecration of churches, in the blessing of Altars, in the ordination of priests, and, sometimes, in the crowning of Catholic kings and queens.

 

The Holy Chrism ("Sanctum Chrisma") or "Oil of Gladness," which is olive oil mixed with a small amount of balm or balsam. It is used in Confirmation, Baptism, in the consecration of a Bishop, the consecration of various things such as churches, chalices, patens, and bells.

 

It is appropriate that the oil of the sick, the oil of the Catechumens and the Holy Chrism which are blessed by the Bishop during the Chrism mass, be presented to and received by the local parish community. The reception of the holy oil may take place at Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday or any other day after the celebration of chrism mass. In Udupi Diocese this year due to busy schedule on Holy Thursday or other reason, the diocese’s Chrism Mass with the blessings of Holy Oils held on Thursday, 10th April, 2025 at Milagres Cathedral, Kallianpur.