Zambo priests, nuns, lay people pray for peace at Chrism Mass

Priests, nuns and lay ministers in the Zamboanga Archdiocese prayed for peace and rain over Mindanao as they attended a Chrism Mass on Maundy Thursday.

The Chrism Mass held at Zamboanga City was a time for the renewal of religious vows, according to GMA News' Flash Report.



During the Mass, the participants prayed for peace in Mindanao, the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law, and rain over areas experiencing a dry spell.

Ccagayan de Oro

In Cagayan de Oro City, more than 100 priests on Tuesday took part in a Chrism Mass at the Saint Augustine Cathedral, GMA Northern Mindanao's Francis Damit reported.



"Ang Crisma, ginagamit sa pagbibinyag, pagkumpirma, at para sa mga masakitin. Ang Crisma ay naging simbolo sa presensiya sa Panginoon sa ating araw-araw na gawain," said Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma.

While the Chrism Mass usually takes place Maundy Thursday, this Mass allowed the participants to be with their local parishes during Holy Week.

The Chrism Mass was also a chance for the priests in the archdiocese to show their unity. The archdiocese covers Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon and Camiguin.

Participants at the Mass also renewed their priestly vows.

"Mga pagsubok at karanasan sa mataas na panahon ay nagbibigay ng kasiglahan at katatagan sa pagpapatuloy kahit sa mga pagsubok sa buhay bilang isang pari," said Fr. Bebot Pacaña, a priest for 20 years and presently serving as parochial vicar of Jasaan in Misamis Oriental.

In Manila, a Chrism Mass was scheduled at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday after the 6:30 a.m. morning prayer.

In Lingayen-Dagupan, the Chrism Mass was held at the Saint John the Evangelist Cathedral in Dagupan City.

The Chrism Mass is held to bless the Oil of Catechumens, Oil of the Sick, and Oil of Chrism.

Oil of Catechumens is used for baptism to strengthen the one being baptized to turn away from evil. The oil of Chrism is linked with the santification of individuals while the Oil of the Sick is used to anoint those who are ill.

A Chrism Mass is one of two Masses allowed on Maundy Thursday, according to the site Catholic Culture. The other is the Mass of the Lord's Supper. — Joel Locsin/BM, GMA News