By Francisco Valdez
The annual Chrism Mass centers on the blessing of sacred oils used in several sacraments throughout the year as well as the renewal of priestly promises in the Archdiocese of San Francisco, those anointed with the sacred chrism oil to sanctify and serve God’s people. Traditionally held on Holy Thursday, the archdiocese celebrates the Mass the week prior.
During the Mass, the archbishop blesses three oils that will be distributed to parishes across the archdiocese: the Oil of Chrism, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens.
Deacon Christoph Sandoval who serves at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption said the blessing carries special significance because it is performed by the archbishop.
“The person who performs the blessing of the oils is the archbishop, the successor to the apostles, who has been given the fullest faculties of Holy Orders,” Sandoval said.
The Oil of Chrism, which is used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, has been used in Catholic tradition since the second century. It is a mixture of olive oil and balsam, a fragrant resin. The use of fragrant balsam in the Sacred Chrism is deeply rooted in the symbolism found in both scripture (II Cor 2:15) and the writings of the Church Fathers (St. Cyril of Jerusalem, St. Ambrose of Milan, etc.), reflecting the idea that just as a fragrant oil spreads its “aroma of Christ” upon those anointed, so too does the Holy Spirit impart the “aroma of Christ” upon those anointed, transforming them and marking them as belonging to God.
The oil further symbolizes rebirth and participation in Christ’s priestly, prophetic and royal mission. In confirmation, it seals the faithful with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and in ordinations it is used to anoint the hands of priests and the heads of bishops. The oil is also used in the dedication of churches and altars, continuing a tradition that connects modern worship to ancient practice.
Unlike the other two oils that are brought to the altar in their sacred vessels, the archbishop pours the Oil of Chrism into a silver vessel called an ampulla, he then invokes a consecratory prayer. Through that prayer, he invokes the Holy Spirit, and the breathing is the visible sign of that invocation breathing over it. The consecration signifies the important place the Oil of Chrism holds in the Church.
“He pours the chrism and he breathes over the oil because he is imparting the blessing of the Holy Spirit,” Sandoval said. “It’s very amazing to see the archbishop do this incredible blessing.”
The use of anointing oil dates back to the Old Testament, where it was used to consecrate kings, priests, and sacred objects. Olive oil came to symbolize strength — reflecting the practice of ancient athletes who coated themselves in oil — while balsam represents virtue, holiness, and the aroma of Christ.
The two other oils that are blessed during the Mass are the Oil of Catechumens used in the Sacrament of Baptism, and the Oil of the Sick used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
The oils that the archbishop blesses are used in parishes for the upcoming year.
The renewal of priestly promises is deeply connected to the blessing of the holy oils. It underscores the unity between the archbishop and his priests as well as reaffirming their commitment to serve Christ and the Church. The priests reaffirm their dedication to serving God’s people and administering the sacraments, which are visibly marked by the anointing of the sacred oils. The annual tradition serves as a powerful reminder of the priestly vocation’s profound connection to the sacramental life of the Church.
Those who share in the ministerial priesthood, who espouse themselves to Christ’s bride, the Church, as Christ the Bridegroom Himself does, are set apart for a priestly people,” said Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone in a Chrism Mass homily. “They are set apart for the sanctification of God’s people so that God’s people may in turn sanctify the world.”
The laity are invited to participate in the Chrism Mass to witness the blessing of the oils and support the priests in renewing their promises. This year’s Chrism Mass will take place on Thursday, March 26 at 4:00 p.m. at The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption.
Photos: Francisco Valdez and Mary Powers
Mary Powers contributed to this article.
