Vatican City • Pope Francis ushered in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass and the ritual washing of the feet, made more poignant this year after the devastation of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Chrism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops. During Thursday’s service in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis blessed the holy oils that will be used over the course of the year in the administration of sacraments.
In his homily, Francis stressed that when priests use the oil, they are distributing their vocation and heart to the people of God.