TOP CAPTION: Bishop O’Connell celebrates the annual Chrism Mass before a packed congregation in St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral. Mike Ehrmann photo
By Mary Stadnyk |Associate Editor and Rose O’Connor | Digital and Social Media Manager
Looking out at the standing room only congregation of about 1,200 that filled St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, for the annual Chrism Mass, Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., described it as a moment of grace and of truth.
PHOTO GALLERY: Chrism Mass 2026
“The oils blessed and consecrated this evening will reach every corner of our Diocese in the year ahead,” he said in his homily March 30. “They will anoint the newly baptized, seal our young people in Confirmation, bring strength and healing to the sick, prepare the dying for their journey home to God, and consecrate the hands of those called to the priesthood. Through these sacred oils, the grace of God is poured into his people – and through his people, through you, that grace flows into the world.
“These oils are not merely reminders of God’s presence,” he added. “In the mystery of the Sacraments, they truly become instruments of his action.”
Steeped in rich symbolism and tradition, the Chrism Mass in the Diocese of Trenton is traditionally celebrated on the Monday of Holy Week. During the Presentation of the Gifts, designated representatives carry vessels containing the Oil of the Sick and Oil of the Catechumens to be blessed by the Bishop, along with the Sacred Chrism, which the Bishop consecrates. Those oils are then carried back to parishes for use throughout the year.
Renewal of vows
Diocesan officials say this was the best-attended Chrism Mass in recent history – and had a large number of priests in attendance. During the Mass, Diocesan priests stand before the Bishop and renew their vows, recommitting themselves to their priestly service and vocation.
“Know how deeply grateful I am for your fidelity, your sacrifices and your quiet, steadfast love for the people entrusted to your care,” Bishop O’Connell told the priests.
“The faithful see Christ in you, often in ways you may never fully realize. The Christ they encounter in your preaching, in your compassion, in your presence, in your forgiveness, is the Christ you reveal to them,” he said.
He reminded priests to remain close to Christ, “so that those you serve – and your brother priests alongside of you – may remain close to him as well.”
Bishop O’Connell told those in attendance that the Church needed their witness, and the world needed their courage.
“Tonight, as the oils are blessed and consecrated and as our priests renew their promises, let us all renew our hope,” Bishop O’Connell said. “Christ is the one who anoints us. Christ is the one who heals us. Christ is the one who sends us, and Christ is the one who walks with us every step of the way.”
After the homily, Bishop O’Connell called diocesan seminarians Benedict Quiambao and Nicholas Alescio to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders May 16, when they will be ordained as transitional deacons. The Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton.
During the Mass, the Bishop also acknowledged Terry Ginther, who will retire June 30 after some 30 years of service to the Diocese. Ginther currently serves as diocesan chancellor and executive director of the Office of Pastoral Life and Mission. The Bishop said Father Jean Felicien, currently vice chancellor, will succeed Ginther and will continue as the Bishop’s secretary.
Finding meaning in Holy Week
Although it’s been several years since they attended the Chrism Mass, Terry and Cecilia O’Rourke of St. Martha Parish, Point Pleasant, said they found it prayerful and meaningful.
Attending the Chrism Mass “is a good way to begin Holy Week,” said Cecilia O’Rourke, adding she was inspired by all the priests renewing their vows.
Tears welled in the eyes of Christine D’Anzieri of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, as she talked about attending a Chrism Mass for the first time.
“One of my Lenten promises this year was to go to church every day,” she said, adding she heard about the Chrism Mass from Bishop O’Connell, when he spoke of it at a Mass at the beginning of Lent.
“When the Bishop talks, he always speaks about unity, and now looking around and seeing all the people here for the Chrism Mass, you can see and feel the unity,” she said.
“It’s really emotional because with all the turmoil going on in the world, being here in church is the one place we can come together and be Catholic together,” D’Anzieri said.
For Georgina Kotz, parish catechetical leader in St. Martha Parish, it’s become a tradition for her to accompany the parish’s Confirmation class to the Chrism Mass.
“It’s something most Catholics never experience,” she said, “so we thought right before their Confirmation it may be a good thing for the class to come and witness the Diocese as a whole with Bishop consecrating the chrism that they’ll be confirmed with.”
“It gives them a wider perspective of the Church,” she said. “It’s not just our little parish. It’s bigger than us.”
