CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma urged the clergy to rediscover their calling, in his message during the Chrism Mass and Renewal of Priestly Vows at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral yesterday. More than 400 diocesan priests and 200 others from religious organizations attended the mass.
In his homily, Palma said the yearly renewal of their vows was a constant reminder that the priesthood is a gift from God.
Despite the daily challenges of being a priest, Palma urged them to remain true to their vows and continue to be joyful.
“As we reflect on our consecration and ordination, let us be happy to remember that day we received our vows, that we felt the love of our Lord,” Palma said.
After his homily, Palma then blessed the holy oils or chrism, which are used by the clergy in the administering the Seven Sacraments. Once blessed, these were distributed to the priests.
The Chrism Mass is traditionally done during Holy Thursday but Archbishop Palma celebrated a week before Holy Week to give priests assigned in far-flung parishes a chance to attend. (JKV)