FALL RIVER — Members of the Diocese of Fall River are invited to the annual Chrism Mass to take place on Tuesday, March 31, in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fall River at 4 p.m.

Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., together with priests ministering in the Diocese -diocesan and religious, will celebrate this traditional Holy Week liturgy that includes the blessing of holy oils for use in Sacraments in the coming year and the renewal of priestly promises.

All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Chrism Mass, which Bishop da Cunha described as “one of the most meaningful liturgies of the year,” in a recent letter of invitation to members of the Diocese to attend the Mass.

The Chrism Mass is celebrated every year in cathedrals in dioceses all over the world during Holy Week. It is a special liturgy that manifests the unity of the bishop with the priests of his diocese, and the Church community as members of the Body of Christ.

“This year’s Chrism Mass carries particular meaning as we continue Year Two of our Diocesan initiative: Stronger Priests, Stronger Parishes, Stronger Church,” writes Bishop da Cunha in his invitation. “In the second year, we focus on the relationships that sustain the ministry of our priests -especially the many collaborators who serve alongside them in parish life and ministry.

“The Church’s mission is never carried out by priests alone. Parish staff, deacons, religious, and countless faithful men and women share in the work of building up the Body of Christ. The Chrism Mass offers a beautiful opportunity for us to gather as one diocesan family and pray for those who serve the Church in these ways.”

Oil is an ancient symbol of strengthening, healing, and preparation.

The Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens consist of olive oil and are blessed in the same way holy water is blessed. The Oil of the Sick is used for the anointing of all who are ill and in need of God’s healing; the Oil of the Catechumens is used for the anointing of infants, children and adults who are preparing for baptism.

The third oil is Sacred Chrism, the most eminent of the three and from which the Mass takes its name. It is olive oil mixed with balsam, and it will be consecrated by Bishop da Cunha during the Mass. Sacred Chrism is used in baptisms, confirmations, ordinations, and the dedication and blessing of churches and altars.

After the Mass, the oils will be distributed to all parishes in the Diocese for their use in furthering the mission of the Church in the year ahead.

In concluding his invitation to the Chrism Mass, Bishop da Cunha expresses his hope that the faithful “will consider joining us for this sacred celebration of unity and prayer.”

St. Mary’s Cathedral is located at 327 Second Street at the corner of Spring Street in Fall River.

See a Gallery of Photos from the 2025 Chrism Mass
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