Celebration of Chrism Mass to Take Place at St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral
We warmly invite you to the Chrism Mass that will take place at St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral on March 30, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. We are pleased to share that Archbishop Emeritus Martin William Currie has graciously accepted the invitation to be the celebrant for this spiritually inspiriting Mass. There will be a reception to follow in Glastonbury Hall.
The Chrism Mass is a significant event during Holy Week! It is a meaningful celebration that brings all our priests together to renew the priestly promises they made at their ordinations. During the Mass, we will see the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the sacred Chrism will be consecrated. These oils will be used for sacraments throughout the year. The oils will be distributed to representatives from all parishes in the diocese. The Chrism Mass is a beautiful celebration of the unity of our parishes. The Mass is also a powerful reminder of the Holy Spirit’s anointing in the lives of the faithful and the Church’s ongoing mission.
As Holy Week approaches, which begins on Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, you are invited to take part in the many liturgical celebrations being offered throughout the diocese. The liturgies during Holy Week offer distinct sights, smells, and visuals that highlight the profound significance of these sacred days – think of the waving palm branches, the rising scent of incense, the touch of the wooden Cross, the Easter fire lit and blessed outside the church to symbolize Jesus’ resurrection and the triumph of light over darkness, the fire that is used to light the Paschal candle that will then illuminate the church, and the participation of the parish community present. There is so much to symbolize God’s love for us and kindle new hope.
The Catholic faithful are encouraged to attend and take part in the beautiful liturgical celebration of Chrism Mass this coming Monday. Let us continue to pray for the priests, bishops, and Pope that they may continue to do the good work God has called them to do.
May we also pray for one another and encourage each other to remain faithful to our own Baptismal call to holiness.
