On the evening of Thursday 17
September Bishop Anthony Randazzo celebrated the annual Chrism Mass, breaking
with tradition that normally sees it being held during Holy Week in the
presence of all the clergy and many of the faithful from across the diocese.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there were just
a few representatives of clergy and lay people present for the celebration held
in Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral. The clergy present included the Dean and
one priest representative of each deanery and there were two lay
representatives from each parish. This enabled the attendance at the Cathedral
to be within the Covid-safe government restrictions for places of worship.
Bishop Randazzo noted the extraordinary circumstances that
marked Chrism Mass 2020.
“Without a doubt, no one could have imagined that we would be
celebrating the Chrism Mass in September,” he said. “And yet, these are the
uncertain and troubling times in which we live.”
At the annual Chrism Mass, the Holy Oils are blessed by the Bishop for ministering
of the Sacraments in the year ahead. The Chrism Mass is a time to reflect upon
the unity of all the baptised who are anointed in the power of the Holy Spirit
and form one Body in Christ. It is also a time to reflect upon the gift of the
ministerial priesthood which has been entrusted to our priests who have been
anointed to teach, lead and sanctify the one Body of Christ – the Church.
In his homily, Bishop
Randazzo focussed upon the need for physical and spiritual healing in the
community of the Church and the society in which we live.
“In a time of pandemic, it is
obvious that there is need for physical healing,” said Bishop Anthony. “Members
of the community are burdened by the virus that plagues our world and many have
died or are gravely ill. Globally, the sharpest scientific minds are racing to
develop a vaccine or to find a cure.”
“The sometimes ignored or less obvious need is that of spiritual healing. I
suspect spiritual sickness, often seen most clearly in people who suffer
abandonment, division, despair, and darkness, is the greater challenge for our
time.”
“The COVID environment in
which we live has exposed many challenges for us, and yet it has also provided
us with opportunities to seek a deeper healing for our world. One might say
that there is a great demand for the healing balm of the Spirit.”
The Chrism Mass was live
streamed for the participation of clergy and laity who were unable to attend in
person.