Bishop Robert Brennan, pouring oil into the container, says the chrism Mass is a reminder that “Christ is working through the church and he’s present to us.” (Photos: Paula Katinas)
PROSPECT HEIGHTS — Seminarian Paul Zwolak had the honor of proclaiming the Gospel at the Diocese of Brooklyn’s annual chrism Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on March 31.
That, however, wasn’t the only reason for his excitement. As he entered the co-cathedral during the opening procession, he was aware that the chrism oil that Bishop Brennan consecrated was the same oil that the bishop would place on Zwolak’s hands to anoint him at his ordination in June.
While he has attended chrism Masses during his years at St. Joseph Seminary and College, he said the 2026 one was special.
“I realized that it’s finally going to be me. After all these years, the bishop will be putting this oil that he consecrates at today’s chrism Mass on my hands,” he said, adding that it was a “spiritual time, a really prayerful time” for him.
A long-standing tradition in the Catholic Church, the chrism Mass marks the time a bishop consecrates the chrism oil and blesses the other oils used by priests for baptisms, confirmations, the anointing of the sick, and other rituals throughout the year.
RELATED: AT 2024 Chrism Mass, Bishop Brennan Says Oils Are a Sign of Church’s Unity
The Church uses three different oils. Chrism oil, made of olive oil and balsam, is used for baptisms, confirmations, priestly ordinations, and consecrations. The oil of the catechumens consists of olive oil and is used by priests to anoint catechumens. The oil of the sick, also made of olive oil, is used by priests to anoint the sick.
At one point during the Mass, Bishop Brennan breathed into the vessel containing the chrism oil — a moment that reminded all in attendance of the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Seminarians led the procession into the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph for the chrism Mass.
This year’s chrism Mass was a first for Father Carlos Velásquez, who was recently appointed director of liturgy for the diocese. In that new role, Father Velásquez helped plan the Mass.
“I am very excited for this day,” he said.
He implemented a subtle but meaningful change. For the first time, the oils will be distributed to priests in small glass bottles, rather than plastic bottles as had been used in the past.
“It’s more dignified and a little more eco-friendly in keeping with the spirit of Laudato si’,” he explained, referring to the encyclical the late Pope Francis issued in 2015, calling on Catholics to care for Earth.
The Mass also marked a first for co-cathedral rector Father Patrick Keating, who welcomed hundreds of his fellow priests to the Mass.
“It’s a wonderful experience,” he said. “It’s really an expression of the entire diocese coming together.”
RELATED: At 2023 Chrism Mass, Bishop Brennan Urges Priests to Get Even Closer to Jesus
In addition to the blessing of the oils, the chrism Mass is notable for another tradition. It is also the occasion in which the priests of the diocese stand in unison and reaffirm their vow of obedience to the bishop. It was a vow they first made when they were ordained.
In the past, Bishop Brennan has used the chrism Mass to deliver an address to the diocese’s priests, lifting their spirits and carrying them through the year.
He did so again this year, telling the priests always to remember the reason they wanted to become priests in the first place as they carry out their duties.
“Let the Lord speak to you again,” he said. “Yes, your life was indeed touched by the infinite and unconditional love of God. Remember your first love.”
Prior to the Mass, Bishop Brennan recalled the chrism Masses he attended as a seminarian and as a young priest in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, where he grew up.
“It was always a very encouraging, inspiring experience,” he told The Tablet.