By Barb Arland-Fye
DAVENPORT — Witnessing the blessing of the oil of Chrism, one of three oils blessed March 18 during the Davenport Diocese’s annual Chrism Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral, deeply moved seminarian Chris Weber.
He had traveled the six-hour drive from St. Paul School of Theology in St. Paul, Minn., with fellow seminarian Deacon Jake Greiner to attend this special Mass. “The reason we came back was because Jake will be ordained (to the priesthood) in May. “The oil of Chrism blessed at this Mass will be used to consecrate his hands. That makes the trip from St. Paul worthwhile, even though we’ll be heading back to a snowstorm,” Weber said.
Catholics from throughout the diocese are drawn to the Chrism Mass because of the beauty of the liturgy and its rituals which reinforce the Church’s unity, continuity and fidelity. Parishioners also enjoy seeing pastors and former pastors concelebrate the Mass.
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