The Archdiocesan Chrism Mass
See pictures | Listen to the Archbishop's homily | Read the story

Every year on the Tuesday of Holy Week -- this year March 22 -- the archdiocesan chrism Mass is celebrated.

At this unique Mass, most of the priests of the archdiocese gather together with Archbishop Buechlein at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis, along with lay representatives from parishes all over the archdiocese. Deacons attend, as do seminarians and religious.

During the Mass, the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Sacred Chrism are consecrated by the archbishop and distributed to the parishes -- the oils are used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and holy orders, as well as in ceremonies such as the consecration of a new church.

The priests of the archdiocese also renew their ordination promises to make their lives a sacrifice for the people of God and in imitation of Jesus Christ.

Below are some of the pictures from the event. Click on each image to see a larger version. Check back next week for more pictures, captions, a story and the chance to download an audio file of the homily delivered by Archbishop Buechlein.

Pictures from the archdiocesan chrism Mass:

(Photos by Brandon A. Evans, © The Criterion)







Download audio file from the archdiocesan chrism Mass:

Below is a link to a sound file, in Real Player format, of Archbishop Daniel M. Buechlein's homily from the archdiocesan chrism Mass, held on March 22 at SS. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Indianapolis.

Right click on the link below and choose "save target as." You may then choose where on your computer you would like to save the audio file, and listen to it at your convenience.

Archbishop Buechlein's Homily (approx. 1 MB)

The Criterion