Those in attendance included parishioners, religious, deacons, seminarians, and priests from across the area. During the Mass, Bishop Gregory Parkes consecrated the Sacred Chrism – a mixture of oil and balsam – which will be used for anointing during countless Baptisms and Confirmations throughout 2026 in all 80 parishes and missions. He also blessed the Oil of Catechumens, used for adults preparing for Baptism, and the Oil of the Sick, used for those who are seriously ill. At the conclusion of the Mass, representatives from each parish received small bottles of these Holy Oils to bring back to their parish for these sacraments.

Through these oils, the Lord brings healing, strength, and hope, making them channels of His grace.

All priests are encouraged to participate in this special Mass each year. One of the hallmarks of the Chrism Mass is the moment when priests renew their priestly promises – promises they originally made on the day of their ordination. This moment is a beautiful expression of their commitment to unite themselves to Christ and serve Him in their ministry.

“The spirit of the Lord is truly upon you, brothers, because He has anointed you through your Baptism,” said Bishop Parkes in his homily. “Through the anointing you received with the Sacred Chrism on the day of your ordination, you have received the same power of the Spirit in which Jesus lived His life and exercised His ministry. The Chrism that was poured upon you was not merely a sign; it was also a participation in that anointing.”

He encouraged the priests to remember that their priesthood never goes away regardless of difficulties they may experience, and that it is a continual choice to follow the Lord.

“Brothers, that fragrance does not fade. The character it confers is permanent, not because you or I have always lived it perfectly, but because he who anointed us is faithful,” said Bishop Parkes. “And so, I thank you, my brothers, for your generous yes: the yes you proclaimed on the day of your ordination, the yes you repeat every morning as you prepare for a new day, and the yes you will once again reaffirm before Christ and His Church in just a few moments.”

The Chrism Mass also provides the opportunity to publicly recognize and show appreciation for jubilarian priests. Traditionally, the Diocese of Saint Petersburg recognizes all jubilarian priests by name and notes their milestone anniversaries of 25, 40, 50, 60, 65, or 70 years of priestly service. All 24 jubilarians were recognized and applauded during the Mass.

The Chrism Mass is a remarkable moment as we approach the Easter Vigil, when many will receive sacraments in which they are anointed with these newly blessed and consecrated oils. This Mass provides a profoundly joyful encounter with the Lord and invites the faithful into a deeper encounter through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus as they journey through Holy Week and the Triduum.