Chrism Mass - Portland

The Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and sacred celebrations of the Church year. Celebrated by Bishop James Ruggieri on the Tuesday of Holy Week, it brings together priests, deacons, religious, and parishioners from around the state.

The Mass gets its name from the sacred chrism, which the bishop will bless and consecrate during the Mass, asking God to "bless and sanctify this oil, so that all who are outwardly anointed with it may be inwardly transformed and come to share in eternal salvation." The sacred chrism will be used through the coming year for baptism, confirmation, and the consecration of altars and churches.

During the Mass, the bishop will also bless the oil of the sick, which is used to anoint the sick, and the oil of catechumens, which is used to anoint individuals preparing for baptism in the Catholic Church. At the end of the Mass, the oils are distributed to representatives of parishes to be used in those sacraments.