Chrism Mass: Capiz archbishop asks to pray for priests
Diocesan priests participate in the annual Chrism Mass Tuesday at the Capiz Metropolitan Cathedral. COURTESY OF SMMRS
By CBCP News
August 6, 2020
Capiz City
A Catholic archbishop urged the faithful to never get tired of praying for the priests, especially as they carry out their ministries amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Archbishop Jose Advincula of Capiz said that prayer is the best thing people can do to boost the morale of priests in responding to the current situation.
“May you never get tired of praying to God for your own good and for us, your priests,” Advincula said.
He stressed that the support of the lay faithful will truly make “more good priests”.
The archbishop made the plea in his homily during the Chrism Mass held at the Capiz Metropolitan Cathedral on August 4.
Usually held on Maundy Thursday during the Holy Week, the celebration was rescheduled due to the state-imposed community quarantine to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The church service coincided with the memorial of St. John Mary Vianney, patron saint of priests.
During the Mass, the clergy also renewed their priestly vows and afterwards received the sacred oils blessed by the archbishop.
“What the Lord did is what is expected of us priests… The mission of Christ is also our mission,” Advincula said, addressing about 110 priests who were present at the cathedral.
He also noted that the mandate from the Lord, along with the standards displayed by the life and example of St. John Vianney, is “already proven to be quite a task under normal circumstances.”
The archbishop lauded the Capiz clergy for being “creative” in carrying out their priestly duties amid the health crisis that hit communities all over the world.
He noted that priests did tasks on varied capacities such as teaching catechesis online, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, blessing the dead, saying Mass and ministering the other sacraments.
Some priests, he added, initiated activities and efforts to support medical frontline workers and the poor communities.
“Despite the present difficulties, I am happy that you priests were creative enough to fulfil the responsibilities you pledged to do when you were ordained,” Advincula said.
