Catholic Transcript Online

HARTFORD – Archbishop Henry J. Mansell will bless the oils used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, the anointing of the sick, ordination of priests and consecration of altars and churches at the annual Chrism Mass, which will be celebrated at 11 a.m. April 19 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, 140 Farmington Ave.

The Chrism Mass is one of the principal manifestations of the fullness of the bishop’s priesthood; it signifies the close unity of the priests with him. At the Mass, priests are invited to renew their commitment to priestly service during the liturgy.

The Mass takes its name from the most eminent of the three holy oils, the sacred chrism. After the Mass, representatives from parishes across the Archdiocese will be given portions of the oils for use in their parishes.