The Mass of Chrism explained

Before celebrating the central mysteries of salvation, every diocesan community gathers around its Bishop for the blessing of the holy oils, which are the instrument of salvation in various sacraments:  Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and the Anointing of the Sick. These signs of divine grace draw their effectiveness from the paschal mystery, from the Death and Resurrection of Christ.  This is why the Church celebrates the Chrism Mass on the threshold of the Sacred Triduum, on the day when, by a supreme priestly act, the Son of God made man offered himself to the Father to redeem all humanity.

This special diocesan Chrism Mass is an important step in preparation for the celebration of Easter. In the early days of the Church, bishops were the ones who baptized the catechumens at the Easter vigil, and they would prepare fresh chrism for that occasion. At the same time, they would bless the other oils. Lest the Easter vigil be unduly prolonged, the blessing of the oils eventually took place at an earlier celebration of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday. This also allowed time for the vessels of oil to be brought from the cathedral to the other churches in the diocese for use at the Easter vigil.

The Catholic Church uses three sacramental oils. The Oil of Catechumens is used to strengthen those who are preparing for baptism for their struggle with temptation and sin. The Oil of the Sick is used for those who are seeking healing of mind, body and spirit. The Holy Chrism, our Christ oil, is used at Baptism, at Confirmation, at the ordination of priests and bishops and at the dedication of a church building and altar.

The Chrism Mass is always a highlight in the life of any bishop. Because a bishop is the one who consecrates chrism, this liturgy represents his own pastoral ministry and the unity of the whole (arch)diocese with him in carrying out the mission of the Church. Obviously, it is not possible for the bishop to baptize and confirm everyone in any diocese. Through the chrism, he is symbolically present when these oils are used by priests and deacons in conferring the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Chrism Mass has also provided an opportunity for an expression of unity on the part of the whole presbyterate with the bishop. All the priests of the diocese or archdiocese are invited to concelebrate the Eucharist.  During the liturgy, all the priests are invited to renew their commitment of pastoral service, and the people pledge their prayers and support in a very joyful and encouraging way.