Recollection for the priests and religious of Gulbarga diocese and the Chrism Mass took place on 30 March 2023 at Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi. Rev Fr Jude Nirmal Das, Vice Rector of St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary, Bangalore was the resource person on the day who gave a spiritual talk on Jesus’ compassionate priesthood. Fr Stany Lobo, the vicar general welcomed the resource person and the gathering. During Adoration priests and sisters were prepared for the confession and all participated in the sacrament of reconciliation. Time was also given for pastoral concern for the diocese’s growth. As a gratitude to his priests especially those who have served in the diocese in different capacities and returned on transfer to their respective dioceses and province bishop honored them.
The Chrism Mass:
Bishop celebrated the Holy Chrism Mass along with his brother priests just before a holy week on 30 March 2023 at Mother of Divine Grace Cathedral, Kalaburagi. Bishop in his homily spoke on Faith. Then he continued, “We cannot judge faith based on baptism when it has taken place.”. All those who accept baptism accept Christ and he gives them life. Immediately after his homily at the Chrism Mass, Bishop Robert Miranda led the assembled priests in renewing promises. The congregation listened as the bishop asked the priests to affirm the vows they made at ordination. They were also asked to strive to grow in union with Jesus while carrying out their priesthood and fulfilling their priestly commitments. This was done through liturgy, teaching, and self-sacrifice. After the priests assembled in the sanctuary responded in the affirmative, the bishop asked the congregation to pray for them and for him.
Following the renewal of priestly promises, the newly ordained priests brought the sacred oils to the bishop. The bishop blessed the Oil of the Sick, designated for the anointing of the sick; and the oil of catechumens. Finally, the bishop consecrated the sacred Chrism. This is used for baptisms, confirmations, priests and bishops’ ordination, and to anoint altars and churches being dedicated. An aromatic perfume is used to saturate the chrism, typically balsam. The parish priests or their representatives from throughout the diocese take the oils back to their respective faith communities for use throughout the year.
