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CHRISM MASS: THE SYMBOLS AND THEIR MEANING The Chrism Mass is held during Holy Week in every Catholic (arch)diocese. In Lilongwe Archdiocese and the Diocese of Dedza for instance, it is traditionally held on the Tuesday of Holy Week. During this mass, the priests, deacons and representatives of the entire archdiocesan community gather around the archbishop, who blesses the Holy Oils for use in the coming year. These are: Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, Sacred Chrism. BLESSING AND DISTRIBUTION OF THE HOLY OILSAt the offertory, the three Holy Oils and balsam fragrance are carried up to the sanctuary with gifts of bread and wine. The Oil of the Sick is blessed by the bishop during the Eucharistic Prayer. The bishop then mixes the balsam fragrance into the Chrism, and blesses it, praying: “Make this chrism a sign of life and salvation for those who are to be born again in the waters of baptism. Wash away the evil they have inherited from sinful Adam, and when they are anointed with this holy oil make them temples of your glory, radiant with the goodness of life that has its source in you.” UNITY, RENEWAL OF VOWS AND PROMISES The Chrism Mass reminds Christians of their oneness in Christ through Baptism and its holy anointing, made possible by the ministry of the archbishop and his priests. The Chrism Mass is also a key moment in which the unity of the archbishop with his priests (together, they form the presbyterate) is manifested and renewed. During the liturgy, the entire assembly is called to renew its baptismal promises; deacons and priests also renew their vow of obedience to the local (arch)bishop and their commitment to serve God’s people. At the end of the Chrism Mass, the Holy Oils are brought back to parishes of the archdiocese for use in the coming year. OILS AND THEIR USAGE; OIL AND ANOINTING: In the Old Testament, it was used to consecrate altars, sacred places, and sacred vessels, and in anointing priests. prophets were also considered anointed by God’s Spirit to speak powerfully, and with authority, in God’s name. kings were anointed (by prophets) to rule God’s people anointing also a sign of God’s strength, favour, joy of being God’s servant ( Ps. 45, 8: “God your God has anointed you with the oil of gladness…”) CHRISTIANS AS ANOINTED ONES: Baptism makes us Christians, that is, anointed ones who share in the life of the crucified and risen Jesus, God’s anointed one. Immediately before being baptized with water, we are anointed with the Oil of Catechumens, which strengthens and purifies us. After baptism, with water, we are anointed with the Oil of Chrism, which consecrates us as members of Christ’s body who share in Jesus’ anointing as priest, prophet and king. This anointing with Chrism gives us the Holy Spirit’s strength to live out our baptism. Anointing with Chrism at Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism, and seals us with the fullness of the Holy Spirit’s gifts. THREE HOLY OILS: The Catechism of the Catholic Church No. 1294, highlights; The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening; the anointing of the sick expresses healing and comfort. The post-baptismal anointing with sacred chrism in Confirmation and Ordination is the sign of consecration. By Confirmation Christians, that is, those who are anointed, share more completely in the mission of Jesus Christ and the fullness of the Holy Spirit with which he is filled, so that their lives may give off ‘the aroma of Christ.’ [2 Cor 2, 15]) OIL OF THE SICK Used in Sacrament of the Sick to bring the strengthening and healing power of Christ, who is at work in the Church by the action of the Holy Spirit. “Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders [priests] of the Church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up, and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven.” (Jas 5:14-15) OIL OF CATECHUMENS The Oil of Catechumens is used at Baptism, to strengthen (with wisdom and courage to live the Gospel) and purify candidates (from original sin) before baptizing with water. HOLY CHRISM Holy Chrism is a mixture of olive oil (a rich oil, symbol of richness of God’s grace) and balsam fragrance (symbol of sweetness of Christian virtue). The Oil of Chrism is a sign of fullness of grace and spiritual strength; it consecrates and enables us to live out the call to follow Jesus the Christ (the anointed one) as baptized/confirmed/ordained Christians. The holy chrism consecrated by the bishop is used to anoint the newly baptized, to seal the candidates for confirmation, and to anoint the hands of presbyters [priests] and the heads of bishops at their ordination, as well as in the rites of anointing pertaining to the dedication of churches and altars The post appeared first on Episcopal Conference of Malawi.

Tue Mar 26, 2024 18:17

POPE FRANCIS HONOURS REV. FRS. HENRY CHINKANDA AND PATRICK YEREMIA THAWALE On this auspicious day, Tuesday the 26th of March 2024, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has recognised Rev Frs Henry Chinkanda of the Diocese of Dedza and Patrick Thawale of Lilongwe, and and conferred upon them the esteemed title of Monsignor. This honour has been graciously conferred upon the two priests as an acknowledgement of their exceptional service to the local Church at large and, in particular, to their Dioceses of Dedza and the Archdiocese of Lilongwe. The title “monsignor” (Mon Seigneur-my Lord) is an exclusive designation used within the Roman Catholic Church, reserved for a select few priests like the two priests who have exemplified unwavering dedication and commitment to the Church. The title of monsignor is a mark of distinction granted to certain priests in recognition of their selfless contributions, steadfast faith, and years of devoted service. It is not a rank or a separate level of priesthood but rather a title that conveys honour and reverence within the hierarchical structure of the Church. Monsignors may be entrusted with specific responsibilities or roles within the diocese or even the Vatican, based on their capabilities and the needs of the Church. It is important to note that the title of monsignor, unlike that of bishops, is an honorary designation rather than a specific position entailing administrative or governing responsibilities. Monsignors may hold various positions within the Church, such as pastors, chaplains, or officials in the Roman Curia, without distinct duties solely by virtue of the title. Additionally, while not all Monsignors ascend to the role of Vicar Generals, the title of “Msgr.” is often used as a mark of high regard for Vicar Generals due to their close service to the Local Ordinary. A Vicar General is appointed by the Local Ordinary to serve as the primary assistant to the Bishop within a diocese, aiding in governance, administration, and oversight to ensure the smooth operation of diocesan affairs. The two parts of the Church of Malawi have all the reasons to celebrate this honour. For Rev. Msgr Thawale, he follows in the in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr Charles Maida while Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda follows in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr. Joseph Masandi, who was similarly honoured with this title by Pope Benedict XVI on the 12th of June 2004. This means that Malawi has two Msgrs, Rev. Msgr Patrick Thawale of Lilongwe and Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda of Dedza. The Malawian Church extends heartfelt congratulations to the two Monsignors Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda and Rev. Msgr. Patrick Thawale and offers blessings for their continued priestly service to the universal Church. The title of monsignor is a mark of distinction granted to certain priests in recognition of their selfless contributions, steadfast faith, and years of devoted service. It is not a rank or a separate level of priesthood but rather a title that conveys honour and reverence within the hierarchical structure of the Church. Monsignors may be entrusted with specific responsibilities or roles within the diocese or even the Vatican, based on their capabilities and the needs of the Church. It is important to note that the title of monsignor, unlike that of bishops, is an honorary designation rather than a specific position entailing administrative or governing responsibilities. Monsignors may hold various positions within the Church, such as pastors, chaplains, or officials in the Roman Curia, without distinct duties solely by virtue of the title. Additionally, while not all Monsignors ascend to the role of Vicar Generals, the title of “Msgr.” is often used as a mark of high regard for Vicar Generals due to their close service to the Local Ordinary. A Vicar General is appointed by the Local Ordinary to serve as the primary assistant to the Bishop within a diocese, aiding in governance, administration, and oversight to ensure the smooth operation of diocesan affairs. The two parts of the Church of Malawi have all the reasons to celebrate this honour. For Rev. Msgr Thawale, he follows in the in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr Charles Maida while Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda follows in the footsteps of Rev. Msgr. Joseph Masandi, who was similarly honoured with this title by Pope Benedict XVI on the 12th of June 2004. This means that Malawi has two Msgrs, Rev. Msgr Patrick Thawale of Lilongwe and Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda of Dedza. The Malawian Church extends heartfelt congratulations to the two Monsignors Rev. Msgr Henry Chinkanda and Rev. Msgr. Patrick Thawale and offers blessings for their continued priestly service to the universal Church. The post appeared first on Episcopal Conference of Malawi.

Tue Mar 26, 2024 18:17

DO NOT ONLY CONCENTRATE ON ACADEMIC EXCELLENCY BUT ALSO ON FORMATION OF GOOD CHARACTER: Archbishop Msusa Urges Catholic Schools in Malawi

The Bishop Chairman for the Catholic Education Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa, has challenged Catholic Schools in the country to form and produce morally upright students and citizens of the country in addition to the achievement of high academic performances. He said this during the Annual General...

Fri Mar 22, 2024 01:26

ZOMBA DIOCESE CMA IN A LAUDATO SI TREE PLANTING EXERCISE Bishop of Zomba Diocese, His Lordship Rt. Rev Mateo Chaima over the weekend led Catholic Men’s Association (CMA) of His Diocese in a tree planting at St. Vicent de Paul (Katamba) Parish. Most of the Parishes of the diocese in a spirit of Solidarity sent their representatives to participate in the exercise. In his Remarks after the exercise, the Bishop Said “I encourage you to turn this tree planting exercise into an annual event and be rotating in the Parishes”, Guided the Bishop Chair of CADECOM at the Episcopal Conference of Malawi. He also asked CMA in Parishes to be planting trees in their various Parishes and to do the same in their own homes. “This exercise”, said Bishop Chaima “Is our response to the teaching that Pope Francis gave us in his encyclical “Laudato Si” in which he reminded us that the earth is our common home in which we all have a divine call and responsibility to play in taking care of nature and all creation”. Bishop Chaima also took advantage of the occasion to remind all people in His Diocese that care tree planting is one of the Goals in the newly launched Diocesan Strategic plan which has a component of care for nature and the environment as a way of responding and mitigating the effects of climate change and the natural disasters that come with it. Group Village Headman Mkumbura was in attendance. She hailed the Church for this initiative and asked her subjects to emulate the example and to take care of the trees planted and their own trees in their homes. St Vicent de Paul Katamba Parish is a new Parish established three years ago and doing the tree planting in this parish was a way to support the parish community as it is settling down as a parish. It is at the moment being administered by priests of St Vicent de Paul congregation with the support of the Rosarian Sisters from the Diocese of Mzuzu. The post appeared first on Episcopal Conference of Malawi.

Mon Mar 18, 2024 18:24

LITURGICAL COMMISSIONS URGED TO PROMOTE SACRED LITURGY

The Bishop Chairman of the Liturgical Commission of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi(ECM), Right Reverend Peter Musikuwa, has urged Liturgical Commissions from all dioceses in the Church to be functional and promote Sacred liturgical celebrations in all Dioceses, Parishes, and Small Christian Communities in the country. He said this...

Wed Mar 13, 2024 23:53

ECM LAUNCH VOCATION’S SUNDAY IN KARONGA

ECM LAUNCH VOCATION’S SUNDAY IN KARONGA The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), through the Pontifical Mission Societies on Sunday the 10th March,2024 launched the Vocation’s Sunday at St. Martin de Porres Parish (Ngerenge) in Karonga Diocese. The Fourth Sunday of Easter is known as Vocations Sunday or Good Shepherd Sunday, and is marked as the World...

Mon Mar 11, 2024 12:27

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