The Most Rev. Erik Pohlmeier, bishop of the Diocese of St. Augustine, will concelebrate with the priests of the diocese the annual Chrism Mass on Wednesday, April 5, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral Basilica, 38 Cathedral Place in St. Augustine.
The purpose of the Chrism Mass is to bless the oils for sacramental use over the coming year in parishes, missions, chapels and hospitals of the 17-county region of the diocese. The consecration of the sacred Chrism and the blessing of other oils are among the principal signs of the fullness of the bishop’s priesthood and is considered to be a sign of the close bond he has with the priests. During the Mass, the priests will renew their priestly commitments.
Bishop Pohlmeier will consecrate the Chrism through which the newly baptized are anointed and confirmed; he will bless the oil of catechumens, by which candidates for baptism are strengthened to renounce sin and the devil, and the oil of the sick, for the healing of body, mind and soul. May the sick, who are anointed experience the compassion of Christ and his saving love.
Arrive early if you want to get a seat at Mass. The Chrism Mass will be livestreamed on www.YouTube.com/DOSACatholics for those unable to attend.
The Diocese of St. Augustine encompasses 17 counties of Northeast and North Central Florida serving 176,400 registered Catholics in 68 parishes, missions and chapels. There are 141 priests and 94 deacons serving in the diocese and 34 Catholic schools and early learning centers.
