WWW.THEFLORIDACATHOLIC.ORG April 17-23, 2020
FLORIDA Catholic
VENICE DIOCESE
Chrism Mass: A virtual sign of unity
Holy oils blessed, consecrated at annual Mass of Holy Week
PLEASE SEE CHRISM, 2
Bishop Frank J. Dewane reads a prayer during the April 7, 2020, Chrism Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Represenative priests from each Deanery of the Diocese were present for the Mass. BOB REDDY
of the Florida Catholic staff
VENICE The Chrism Mass, a Holy Week tradition when holy oils are blessed and consecrated and priests from across the Diocese stand united with the Bishop, took on a different form this year but the significance and meaning of what took were not diminished. Bishop Frank J. Dewane, joined by priests representing the four deaneries of the Diocese of Venice, celebrated the Chrism Mass April 7, 2020, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. To accommodate the latest guidance on social distancing and limiting the size of gatherings, present on the altar were the Bishop, five priests and three permanent deacons. "Nothing can stand in the way of the celebration of the Word of God," Bishop Dewane said at the start of the Mass. "I am grateful that we have the opportunity for the priests and the lay faith- ful to tune in and witness this celebration. The oils that are blessed and con- secrated during this Mass are not only for us priests to use when conveying the sacraments, they are for you, the faithful." Held annually during Holy Week, the Chrism Mass would typically bring together the entire presbyterate (all active priests in the Diocese), and would be witnessed by more than 1,000. Pres- ent for the Mass would be religious, deacons, student representatives from each of the 15 Diocesan Catholic schools, Knights of Columbus Color Corps and Knights and Dames of the Order of Malta, as well as the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. While no one was able present in person as witness to the Mass, Bishop Dewane said the Word of God and the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ, together, unite us whether every- one is together in person or remotely. The Chrism Mass marks a celebration and is an expression of unity of the priests with their shepherd, the Bishop of the Diocese. By having all the priests of the Diocese come together - this year virtually - on the eve of the Easter Triduum, re- minds priests of their calling to act in the person of Christ
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In persona Christi. During the Renewal of Priestly Promises the representative priests stood as one, and spoke with one voice saying, "I am," three times in response to questions asked by Bishop Dewane. These same questions were asked of them during their Ordination to the Priesthood. Bishop Dewane publicly thanked the priests for their con- tinued service to the people of God throughout the Diocese of Venice for what they do each day, and in particular during the ongoing response to the pandemic. "I miss very much your presence here today - However, when we do gather, the Word of Lord is there- the words that have been said and heard to- day have great meaning for us."
Bishop Frank J. Dewane consecrates the Sacred Chrism April 7, 2020, during the Chrism Mass at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Click the inset icon to view the Chrism Mass video. (PHOTOS BY BOB REDDY FC)
'Nothing can stand in the way of the celebration of the Word of God. I am grateful that we have the opportunity for the priests and the lay faithful to tune in and witness this celebration.'
- Bishop Frank J. Dewane
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