The chrism mass of Ho diocese this year was well attended. This year’s celebration which took place at the Immaculate Conception Parish at Kpando, was presided over by the Bishop of Ho Diocese, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, SVD on the 15th of April 2025.
The Chrism Mass is a special Mass celebrated on Holy Thursday morning (this can be changed due to pastoral reasons), typically in cathedrals or mother churches. It is a time for bishops to reaffirm their commitment to their priests and for priests to renew their priestly vows.
During the Chrism Mass, the various Oils that are going to be used throughout the liturgical year are blessed: The bishop blesses the Oil of Catechumens (used for baptism), the Oil of the Sick (used for anointing the sick), and consecrates the Sacred Chrism (used for confirmation, ordination, and other sacraments). The blessed oils symbolize the Church's care for the spiritual well-being of her faithful.
There is also the renewal of priestly vows where Priests renew their vows, reaffirming their commitment to their ministry.
Lastly, Chrism Mass highlights the unity between the bishop and priests. It emphasizes the importance of priestly ministry and the bishop's role as a shepherd of his flock.
In his homily, the Bishop, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi exhorted the priests to be servant leaders. He added that accumulation and the exercise of power should be eschewed so priests should focus on the mission of their calling to serve after the very heart of Jesus. He called on the priests to find time and reflect on their mission bearing in mind the church's mission.
To the faithful who joined in the celebration, the bishop encouraged them to believe in the sacraments, sacramentals, and the treasures of the church and receive blessings therein.
He called on the faithful to pray for all priests to be good, faithful, and in constant union with Christ to give Christ to them.
“We live in a world that does not need teachers but models so that the priests may give to the faithful what is needed, for they cannot give what they do not have” was his last word to the faithful in his Homily.
This colourful event was graced by priests and religious of Ho Diocese and a cross session of faithful in and around Kpando deanery.
DEPSOCOM 2025
