At the annual Chrism Mass, priests of dioceses gather around their bishops to celebrate their priesthood symbolizing the unity of the local church.  Patriarchs, cardinals, archbishops, bishops and priests present in Rome joined Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica Thursday morning, to renew the promises they made on the day of their ordination.  The blessing of the holy oils or chrism that is used in the various sacraments during the year takes place during the Chrism Mass. 

Below please find the text of the homily of Pope Francis:

The Gospel of Luke, which we just heard, makes us relive the excitement of that moment when the Lord made his own the prophecy of Isaiah, as he read it solemnly in the midst of his people…

The Holy See is urging the promotion and protection of the rights of the elderly, saying they are the living memory of our people who can help everyone discover their roots and dignity. 

“The promotion and protection of the human rights of older persons will be enhanced when they are advanced in the strength of youth, in the maturity of adulthood, in the vulnerability of illness, and in the weakness of the final moments of life,” said Archbishop Bernadito Auza, the Holy See’s Permanent  Observer to the United Nations in New York, on Monday…