SERVANTS OF GRACE

The Church of the Holy Redeemer in Klang hosted this year’s Chrism Mass on Tuesday, 14 March 2023 at 7.00 pm. Earlier in the day, before the Chrism Mass, the priests gathered at the Church for the first part of our Monthly Priests' Recollection with reflection, Vespers (Evening Prayer), Holy Hour and individual Confession. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow and concelebrated with the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio in Malaysia, priests and religious.

The Chrism Mass is a very significant celebration in the life of each Archdiocese / Diocese throughout the world. Traditionally, the Chrism Mass takes place on Holy Thursday morning, to commemorate the institution of the ministerial priesthood. However, it was difficult, especially for priests to be present for the Chrism Mass in the morning and then make it back to their respective Parishes for the Mass of the Lord’s Supper that same evening. Therefore, Local Bishops choose a day as close to Holy Week as possible, so that every priest may be present in the celebration. This is a symbol of oneness and unity in the Church.

In the past, the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur celebrated the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, in Kuala Lumpur. However, for the past few years, it has been celebrated throughout Parishes in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur. This has provided an opportunity for other Parishes to host it, and at the same time, dignify and uplift them. Hopefully, it also opens the eyes of the young people of these Parishes to respond to the priesthood and religious life.

During the Chrism Mass, we the priests renewed our priestly commitments and promises that were taken during our ordination. We are entrusted to give our total dedication and be available in the mission work of evangelising and rekindling the faith of the people. God is always blessing our land with bountiful priestly vocations. Holy Father, Pope Francis, in his homily for the 2022 Chrism Mass said: “Being priests is a grace, a very great grace, yet it is not primarily a grace for us, but for our people.” It is a grace and gift of priesthood that provides us with the office to administer the Sacraments for the people of God.

In the Chrism Mass, too, the Bishop blesses three oils, which will be used in the Sacraments throughout the year to come: the oil of the infirmary (for the anointing of the sick), the oil of catechumens (for the Baptism) and the oil of Chrism (for the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders). Oil is an integral part of our daily lives. It is used for cooking, fire, fuel, and other purposes. The Church uses these sacramental oils to offer sacrifices as religious practices, (cf. Ex 29:40), and to consecrate, sanctify, heal, beautify and strengthen individuals.

Let us continue to pray for our Church and Clergy, who are the ministers of the sacraments in our parishes, that they may be humble and generous servants of the Lord.