Pope Leo XIV leads Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday

MANILA — Pope Leo XIV led the Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday in Saint Peter’s Basilica, calling on priests to renew their mission that calls for unity and brings peace. 

In his homily, the Pope also encouraged bishops and priests to go where they are sent with simplicity. 

The Basilica was filled with priests from the Diocese of Rome. 

“There is no peace without setting out, nor awareness without detachment. No joy without risk. We are the body of Christ if we move forward,” the Holy Father said. 

“In life we may face situations where everything seems to be over. We then ask our ourselves whether the mission has been in vain. While it is true that unlike Jesus we also experience failures that stem from our own shortcomings or those of others, often from a tangled web of responsibilities of light and shadow, we can make the hope of many witnesses our own,” he added.

The Pope also reminded members of the church that no good can come from abuse of power, and invited them to walk together. 

“Let us renew our yes to this mission that calls for unity and brings peace. Yes, we are here.  Let us overcome the sense of powerlessness and fear. We proclaim Your death, Oh Lord, and we proclaim Your resurrection as we await Your coming,” he said. 

After his homily, the priests renewed their promises before the Pope. 

He also blessed three sacred oils — the oil of the sick, which is used for the sacrament of the anointing of sick, oil of the Catechumens, which strengthens those preparing for baptism, and the sacred Chrism, which signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit and is used for baptism, confirmation, ordinations, and dedication of churches and altars. 

The oils will be distributed to the clergy who will bring them to their parishes and communities. 

PAPAL AUDIENCE 

On Holy Wednesday, the Pope held his weekly general audience in Saint Peter’s Square, which was filled with devotees. 

He invited the public to be the church that Pope Francis spoke about, one that is “always open to mission.” 

“Brothers and sisters, may the Easter we are preparing to celebrate renew in us the grace to be like Mary Magdalene, like Peter and John, witnesses of the risen one,” Pope Leo said. 

Before the gathering ended, he greeted pilgrims and visitors from various countries, including the Philippines.