Even in the final hours leading up to the Sacred Triduum, this year’s Chrism Mass, celebrated by Bishop Alfred Schlert, was noteworthy for its solemnity. Traditionally celebrated on Holy Wednesday, the Chrism Mass took place April 16 at a filled Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown.
Approximately 200 priests and deacons assisted at the Chrism Mass, a liturgy that in most dioceses often draws the largest gathering of clergy in any given year.
“It's interesting to note that here present in the Cathedral today is really the whole Church,” said Bishop Schlert. “We have priests, deacons, consecrated religious, seminarians, laity, a bishop – the whole Church, gathered as one in prayer, and we give thanks to God so much for this.”
Taking place during the Chrism Mass were both the blessing of the Holy Oils that will be used throughout the year in the Anointing of the Sick and in prebaptismal anointings, and the consecration of the Holy Chrism that will be employed in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. By virtue of their divine vocation, the gathered priests acted as cooperators with the Bishop in consecrating the Holy Chrism.
“This Mass is directed to ordained priests,” said Bishop Schlert. “We come together to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Orders. In humility, we priests know that those words of the prophet Isaiah, and the words of Jesus Himself in the synagogue, also pertain to us: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon us.’”
Of the priests who were present, 18 were jubilarians, celebrating anniversaries of ordination ranging from 10 to 65 years.
Bishop Schlert spoke in his homily of both the challenges and the blessings of the Priesthood.
“In many parts of the world, religious practices are seen as outdated, and spirituality is relegated to private matters disconnected from the rhythms of public life,” he said. “In this environment, our calling sometimes feels like an uphill battle,” but it is “precisely in such a time that our vocation becomes all the more essential.”
“As priests, we are not merely performing duties,” he said. “We are participating in the very life of Christ Himself. We are the ones who, through the Sacraments, bring Christ's presence into the world, offering grace and healing where they are most needed. In a world searching for meaning, we are called to be visible signs of the invisible God, living witnesses to His love, His mercy, and His salvation.”
After the homily, the entire body of priests stood and recommitted themselves to priestly service by renewing the promises they made at their Ordination.
Seven young men were then presented to Bishop Schlert as candidates for Sacred Orders. Petitioning for the Order of Deacon were Dominic Civitella, Tyler Davis, Tyler Loch, Anh Do Mai, Hy “James” Gia Ngo, and Jeffrey Tomczyk. Their Ordination is scheduled for Saturday, May 17.
Petitioning for the Order of Priest was Rev. Mr. Robert Rienzo. His Ordination is scheduled for Saturday, June 7.
After consenting to the petitions, the Bishop invited the faithful to pray for the men, “as they make their final preparation for the Sacrament of Holy Orders.”
At the end of the Mass, Bishop Schlert introduced what he hoped “could become a tradition” whenever “we’re gathered in the Cathedral as priests”: the singing of the Marian antiphon that is appropriate for the liturgical season. Since the Chrism Mass was being celebrated during Lent, the antiphon sung was “Ave Regina Caelorum” (“Hail, O Queen of Heaven”), which is traditionally prayed from Feb. 2 through Wednesday of Holy Week.
During the Mass, priest jubilarians – those celebrating a milestone anniversary of Ordination – were acknowledged. They are:
10th anniversary – Fathers Brendon Laroche, Father Samuel Yeboah.
25th anniversary – Father Andrew Gehringer; Father Shaju Kanjiramparayil, O.S.F.S.; Father Odemary Bahati Kisaka, A.J.
50th anniversary – Father Floyd Caesar, Monsignor John Chizmar, Monsignor Joseph DeSantis, Monsignor Gerald Gobitas, Father Robert McConaghy.
55th anniversary – Monsignor Michael Chaback.
60th anniversary – Monsignor Algimantas Bartkus, Monsignor Robert Biszek, Father Dominik Kalata.
65th anniversary – Father E. Michael Camilli, M.S.C.; Monsignor Thomas Hoban; Monsignor Joseph Smith; Monsignor James Treston. Pictured above are Monsignor Hoban, Monsignor Smith, and Monsignor Treston, who have known each other since they entered the seminary and remain the best of friends.
In addition, those gathered remembered priests and deacons who have died in the past year: Father Joseph Gleixner, M.S.C.; Monsignor Dennis Rigney; Father Joseph Sheehan; Father Luke Anderson, O.Cist.; Deacon Joseph Salvo; Deacon Von George; Deacon William Kase; and Deacon Ranulfo Raymundo.
The Mass was livestreamed and can be viewed on the Diocese of Allentown YouTube channel.
By Celeste Behe.
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