During the chrism Mass on Wednesday, April 5, Allentown Bishop Alfred Schlert expressed his gratitude to the priests who have served the diocese for over 25 centuries combined.

“Today, I join my brother priests in the Diocese of Allentown for the chrism Mass where we will renew our priestly commitment made on Ordination Day,” Schlert said in a Twitter post. “Pray for us and for an increase in vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life.” 

The Diocese of Allentown's 87 priests gathered from parishes near and far during the annual chrism Mass at the Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena on Wednesday, April 5. The cadre included those born in Lehigh, Northampton, Berks, Schuylkill, and Carbon counties and some from other countries. These priests have 2,571 years of combined service, equivalent to over 25 centuries of Priestly commitment to the diocese. Additionally, the diocese said in a statement that Priest Jubilarians, those celebrating a significant Ordination anniversary, were acknowledged at this year's chrism Mass. The chrism Mass is generally the largest assembly of priests each year, serving as a time for priests to renew their commitment to their Priestly duties.

The Sacred Chrism, the oil used for baptisms, confirmations and the ordination of priests and bishops, gives the chrism Mass its name. During the Mass, the bishop blesses the Sacred Chrism and two other oils, the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of the Catechumens. After the Mass, priests collect these oils to use in their parishes throughout the year. Any remaining oils from the previous year are either buried or burned. 

“Brothers, I truly thank you for your commitment and desire to live your Priesthood after the love of the Heart of Jesus,” Schlert said in his homily, The Diocese of Allentown noted. “You are treasures for our people. With God’s grace, we once again commit ourselves to be faithful ministers of Word and Sacrament, so that we can be ‘precious gifts of divine mercy’ to those we serve.”

The chrism Mass is conducted annually, often on Holy Thursday.