PALO, LEYTE – The whole clergy of the Archdiocese of Palo celebrated its annual renewal of priestly vows (Chrism Mass) on the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Metropolitan Cathedral, October 19, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

About 134 priests of the archdiocese gathered at the Palo Metropolitan Cathedral to reaffirm their ordination vows and witness the blessing of the holy oils which will then be used throughout the year for sacraments of baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick, and holy orders.

The celebration of Chrism Mass and the Feast of the Dedication of the Cathedral was also graced with the presence of the Archbishop Emeritus of Palo, Most Rev. Pedro R. Dean, D.D, and the Bishop Emeritus of Naval, Most Rev. Filomeno G. Bactol, D.D.”

The celebration of the annual Chrism Mass on the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Metropolitan Cathedral is an important reason for everybody to come together. This activity today seems to be the first time that the entire clergy of Palo has gathered in this Cathedral on the Anniversary of its dedication,” said Most Rev. John F. Du, DD, Archbishop of Palo, in his homily.

As bearers of hope and light, Archbishop Du reminded all priests to continually serve Christ and His people by always being available and visible to attend to the spiritual needs of their parishioners, particularly in this trying time.

“Parishioners should see us as their go-to priests. I wish that our priests would seek and reach out to their parishioners. We should be prudent,” said Archbishop Du.

“But I tell you: the opposite of faith is fear. Those who are afraid will never become a good Shepherd. Sometimes, we take the role of Simon of Cyrene to unburden another of his cross. There is what our Lord teaches the apostles, that: there is no greater love than this, for one to lay down his life for his friend,” he concluded.

The Chrism Mass is usually held on Holy Thursday of the Holy Week, however, it was postponed to a later date due to the serious threat brought by the coronavirus.

The said celebration was only attended by a smaller crowd than usual, comprised of priests, religious nuns, seminarians, and select people from the music ministry to maintain physical distancing.

“It is strange to celebrate the Chrism Mass with only a few people in attendance. In the past years, we celebrate it with the whole archdiocese. Maybe this year, the Chrism Mass takes on a particular poignancy – that even though we cannot be together physically, we are still connected. This only means that COVID-19 pandemic is not a hindrance to make this annual Chrism Mass a possibility,” said Sem. Randolph Lagrama in an interview.

“This year’s assembly may be quite small, but as Jesus said, ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in their midst.’ The rest of the faithful, the Body of Christ, will be present spiritually and mystically in and through the Communion of Saints,” Sem. Lagrama added.

As a precautionary measure, the Chrism Mass was not publicly announced during the Sunday masses due to the limited number of people permitted by the Local Government Unit of Palo.

– Karl Palacio (Youth, Metropolitan Cathedral of Our Lord’s Transfiguration)