St Andrew’s Cathedral was full for the Chrism Mass on 28 March, with Archdiocesan Choir, the St Mungo Singers, providing gathering music and the congregation and priests assembled. This annual service is always one of great impact as we witness the priests of the Diocese renew their commitment to their priestly service and we see the oils- the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of Holy Chrism – being blessed for use in the sacraments for the coming year.  There is a sense of both renewal and continuation of the church’s mission.

In his homily, Archbishop Nolan reflected that as he had waiting in the confessional the previous week, he had the realisation again that he, the priest, was a sinner just as his people were.  This is a point Pope Francis has made.  Priests can become disheartened but they are the earthenware vessels which hold a treasure, as St Paul says.  God has chosen them and as they renew the promises made at ordination, they should look back to their ordination and remember this.  They should recognise the honour of having the treasure of the sacraments for their own good and that of others.