On Holy Thursday morning the only Mass celebrated in a diocese is the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral at which the bishop of a diocese is the principal celebrant.

Before Covid19, the Mass was concelebrated by priests from across the diocese and people from the parishes of the diocese also took part.

It’s called the Chrism Mass because during the Mass at the Cathedral, the holy oils which are used in the parishes and in other settings by priests throughout the year are blessed at this Mass.

These oils are Chrism, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick.

This year, Bishop Fintan Gavin presided at the Chrism Mass for the first time and it was live streamed here.

Priests of the diocese connected in online and renewed their vows. In his homily at the Mass, Bishop Fintan thanks them for their ministry and commitment during the pandemic.