Chrism Mass in San Antonio TX 4-4-23

What a beautiful and faith-filled event!!!

To bless the Holy Oils (Oil of the Sick//Oil of Catechumens//Oil for the Chrism) for the year in the Archdiocese of San Antonio...and for the Priests and Deacons to renew their commitment to priestly and diaconal service...

These Holy Oils bless, anoint, heal, initiate those who require them in the San Antonio Archdiocese...

OIL OF THE SICK: The blessing of this oil asks the Lord to strengthen those who are ill and to free them from their pain. We pray that those who are anointed with this oil may have the strength to bear suffering and may be touched by the healing power of Christ...

OIL OF CATECHUMENS: By the oil of Catechumens, the effect of baptismal exorcisms is extended. The candidates for baptism are strengthened to renounce sin and evil before they go to the font of life to be reborn through baptism...

OIL FOR THE CHRISM: This is the chief anointing oil. It is fragranced oil used in the Sacraments of initiation and Holy Orders, as well as for special actions and dedications, such as a new church and a new altar. As the Christ oil, it brings the community's focus upon Jesus, and invites us to put on Christ...

The Most Reverend Gustavo Garcia-Siller, M.Sp.S. presided...

Some notes culled from his Homily: (For those who could not attend locally or remotely)

We are called to evangelize...to Shepherd each other...

We are anointed...we are Christians via the Holy Spirit thus belonging to Christ...

We must ask ourselves; Where is our place in the Church to help form a priestly people?

Remember! We are baptized!

Jesus fully divine became fully human to save us from our sins...

We are all ministers of God...

We are the Church to bring the Anointing of Christ to the World...

May others "See God" through us...

We are a priestly people through baptism along with our ordained priests and deacons...and also with our professed brothers and sisters...

We are to be "Signs of Welcome" into Christ's Kingdom...