The ‘Blessing of Oils’ ritual, which is held every year at the Iskenderun Annunciation Catholic Church, was held last week. All priests of the parish churches attended the Chrism Rite held in the Cathedral, as the priests renewed their vows and the oils were consecrated.
In the ceremony led by the Anatolian Apostolic Vicar and Bishop, Monsignor Paolo Bizzeti; In addition to Iskenderun Catholic Church Fathers Dariusz Dogondke and Antuan Ilgit; Antakya Catholic Church Fathers Domenico Bertogli and Fransua Dondu, Mersin Catholic Church Father Roshan Cordeiro, Samsun Catholic Church Father Marcelo Cisneros were also present.
At the ritual, the priests first renewed their vows of chastity, obedience, and poverty’. Then the oils were consecrated for patients and catechumens and the Blessing of Chrism was performed.
We Can Understand Jesus’ Mission Through the Holy Spirit
Monsignor Paolo Bizzeti also spoke about the power of faith of the Holy Spirit in his sermon during the sacrament.
Oaths Refreshed in the Mass
Bizzeti then reminded the priests of his district of the mission and commitment they had made when they were consecrated, and asked them to renew their promises. After the vows were renewed, the congregation also prayed for the priests.
Then, the Oil of the Sick, established by Christ, was consecrated to comfort the body and soul, to relieve the suffering of the sick, and to relieve them from sickness and pain. These oils will be used throughout the year by the priests to anoint the sick.
Second, the Catechumen Oil that is given to adults preparing for baptism was consecrated, so that they could be strong in their fight against the devil and better understand the eternal gift of new life they would receive by baptism.
Finally, the Holy Oil prepared with olive oil and fragrances was blessed. This oil will also be used in ceremonies to be held throughout the year. (SAT-7 TURK/İlyas Edip TERBİYELİ-İskenderun)
