Monday 9 April 2018

Chrism Mass Celebrated at the Sacred Heart Parish Bolgatanga -UER


Rt. Rev.Bishop Alfred Adjenta
The Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese has observed the Sacred Chrism in Bolgatanga with a call on the clergy to rise up to their pastoral responsibilities. The Catholic Bishop of the diocese, Rev Bishop Alfred Adjenta who made the call observed that the pastoral responsibilities are laid on his shoulders by divine but the invaluable contribution of the clergy has advance the cause of the church. He however, reminded the clergy of the task ahead in caring for the people entrusted to their care.
























The Chrism Mass is the only period in the catholic calendar that unifies and creates a common platform for priests and the Bishop to celebrate mass. Chrism Mass is an integral part of the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and ordination. Named after Jesus Christ, the Chrism bestows a share in Jesus’s own anointing with the Holy Spirit.

























Following the Chrism Mass, the sacred oils are distributed to representatives of every parish in the diocese. The oils are normally received by the parish in a simple rite prior to the Mass of Holy Thursday. It is an occasion where the baptized are anointed on the crown of the head signifying royal dignity and renewed call to holiness.

























Moreover, when a bishop ordains a man to the priesthood, following the imposition of hands and the prayer of consecration, he anoints the hands of the priest with the Sacred Chrism. It is against this backdrop that the Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish of the Navrongo-Bolgatanga Diocese under the leadership of Rt. Rev. Bishop Alfred Adjenta and Priests celebrated the Chrism Mass.

Speaking to Radio Ghana, Rt Rev Bishop Adjenta further explained the significance of the Chrism Mass in the Catholic faith.

About 50 priests including reverend sisters and brothers and lay faithful attended the Chrism Mass.

It is celebrated by the Catholic Church all over the world once every year during the holy week before Easter.

Rt. Rev Bishop Adjenta gave more insight into the celebration of the holy mass.

For his part, the Vicar General of the diocese Father Gabriel Atidoo said the celebration of the Chrism Mass strengthen his life as a priests, especially when he sees all his colleagues gather together in unity.

Father Augustine Abasi, chaplaincy of the University of Development Studies on the other hand said partaking in the celebration of the Chrism Mass, makes him feel part of the universality of the Catholic Church in celebrating the euchararist.

They both share their feelings with GBCONLINE 
Throughout the Bible, various references indicate the importance of olive oil in daily life.

Oil was used in cooking, particularly in the making of bread, that basic food substance for nourishment, as a fuel for lamps, and healing agent in medicine. 

Moreover, with oil the Jews anointed the head of a guest as a sign of welcome, beautified one’s appearance and prepared a body for burial.

All these underscore the relevance of the Chrism oil.

Story by;GBC's Correspondent  Emmanuel Akayeti

























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