By Ivy Chai
KUCHING — The Bishop of every diocese concelebrates Chrism Mass with his priests every year. The Archdiocese of Kuching celebrated the Chrism Mass 2025 on the evening of 16 April, after a day of recollection for priests.
In his homily, Archbishop Simon Poh reminded the congregation of Jesus’ love for us when “He washed away our sins with His blood. By each and every one of our baptism, we have been anointed and sent forth for mission. And so tonight, as one people of God, Bishops, Priests including our religious and lay faithful, we celebrate as one family, one local Church in the Archdiocese of Kuching during this Chrism Mass… a symbol of Unity.”
Tribute to Priests
Archbishop Simon asked the congregation to pray for the bishops and priests who would be renewing their commitment and obligation to serve the people of God. “I humbly first ask for your prayer for me; for the grace to be a good father to my priests who are my closest collaborators. Help me to give the Archdiocese good pastors. Pray for your priests who are serving you faithfully in the parishes. I would like to affirm our priests for their dedication and commitment especially during this season of Lent, a time of grace and reconciliation.”
He read out a message he received from a parishioner who was “touched to see you and your brother priests listening, waiting… to hear confessions at the Cathedral even at 10.30pm” during the Lenten Confessions. “We are truly blessed that all of you serve the Lord with so much compassion”.
Archbishop Simon said there was an average of 18 Confessor Priests present throughout the whole week from Monday to Friday for the Penitential service in the parishes in Kuching, excluding those hearing confessions outstations.
Blessing of Oils and Consecration of the Chrism
Archbishop Simon explained extensively on the blessing of the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and consecration of the Chrism Oil. “These oils that are used exclusively for the sacraments are tangible signs of God’s presence and grace of the Holy Spirit given to us by the anointing.”
At the end of the Eucharistic Prayer, before the Doxology, the Oil of the Sick was placed on a small table before the Altar for the Archbishop to bless.
The blessing of the Oil of Catechumens and consecration of the Chrism took place after the post-Communion Prayer. All the concelebrating priests were invited to extend their right hand towards the Chrism during the consecration prayer.
Use of the Holy Oils
More than 1500 catechumens would be baptised during the Easter Vigil. As for the anointing of the sick, Archbishop Simon hoped the Christian community would call the priests earlier, as it is the wish of the priests to be in time to administer the sacraments to the sick before they pass away.
A set of Holy Oils was presented to the 12 Parish rectors and rector of St Peter’s Seminary at the end of Holy Mass, entrusting them to administer the Sacraments to Catholics throughout the Archdiocese of Kuching.
Archbishop Simon Poh concluded the Chrism Mass by inviting Archbishops Emeriti Peter Chung and John Ha to join him in giving the final blessing.
