Diocesan Chrism Mass

Prior Edward Seton Fittin, OSB will be concelebrating at the diocesan Chrism Mass with the Most Rev. Kevin Sweeney, at the cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Paterson. In a diocese, the local bishop blesses the various holy oils that will be used at baptisms, confirmations, anointing the sick, and ordinations throughout the year. Pope Benedict XVI in a homily explains, "In the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the holy oils are at the center of the liturgical action. They are consecrated in the bishop’s cathedral for the whole year. They thus serve also as an expression of the Church’s unity, guaranteed by the episcopate, and they point to Christ, the true ‘shepherd and guardian’ of our souls." You can read more about the Chrism Mass here.
Once collected from the diocese, the Holy Oils can be seen in the glass ambry as you enter the Abbey Church. Although usually celebrated during Holy Week, the Chrism Mass was rescheduled due to COVID-19. You can watch the Chrism Mass Wednesday, July 22 at 7:00PM by going to the diocesan site.