A renewal of priestly promises

Apr 02, 2021

By Euthalia
The Chrism Mass was finally celebrated this year. The reduced number of cases in the recent updates had allowed the government to approve the reopening of the church and other places of worship and all necessary precautions were taken especially strictly adhering to the SOPs.

The Chrism Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral was held on March 24.  Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom presided at the Mass, which was concelebrated by all the seven priests of the Diocese, Fr Thomas Makajil, Fr Simon Kontou, Fr Phillip Muji, Fr David Garaman, Fr Stanley William Matakim, Fr Christopher Ireneus and Fr Dafrinn Diwol.

Msgr Nicholas Ong and Fr Marcellinus Pongking were unable to join due to health conditions. However, the three deacons, Deacon Stephen Esguerra, Deacon Andy Borine and Deacon Arthur John were present.

In his homily, Bishop Julius recalled how last year’s liturgical celebrations could not be held and how some were even postponed.

The pandemic has also restricted activities such as reaching out to the sick, to the elderly, to the dying, and even hospital visitations.

It is hoped that this year, ourChurch can celebrate the sacraments in the normal way.

However, this pandemic has opened other opportunities such as online business, online courses, online meetings, and also online Masses. With this, millions of the faithful have joined the virtual Sunday Mass or other prayer opportunities at the same time. We are in union with Catholics all over the world.

Bishop Julius hopes that all parishioners continue to be committed to God by receiving the Bread of Life and supporting all the priests.

“We should always be thankful to God for the life that Christ had given to us. The Vision and Mission belong to God but we, as children of God, should live out the Vision and Mission and continue the ministry of the church.”

After the homily, all the priests renewed their vows in celebration of their priesthood and also reaffirmed their ministry by renewing the promises made at their ordination.

Then, Bishop Dusin Gitom blessed the Oil of Anointing of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of Chrism. These oils will be used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick.