Revive Christ in every baptized Catholic: Myanmar archbishop

An Archbishop in Myanmar reminded priests, nuns, and laypeople to revive Christ in every baptized person. 

“Let us remind ourselves that we partake in the revival of Christ with new life and as new sons and daughters of God,” said Archbishop Marco Tin Win of Mandalay in his homily celebrating the Chrism at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Mandalay on April 14, 2022.

During the Mass, priests renewed their priestly vows/promises. The prelate blessed the three holy oils—the oil of the sick, the oil of the catechumens, and the holy chrism oil. 

The first two are blessed, and the bishop consecrates the third, ordinarily during the annual Chrism Mass. Each has a distinctive purpose.

Archbishop Tin Win explained the meaning and significance of each type of oil.

The chrism oil is used to put on all the sons and daughters who would receive the sacraments of baptism and confirmation. It is also used at the time of priestly ordination as a sign of consecration to God. 

The oil of the sick is used for Catholics who are sick or in their last stages of life to regain strength both physical and spiritual, the forgiveness of sins, and the healing of life through the power of God.

Finally, the oil of the catechumens is utilized for young and adult persons who are initiated to the Catholic faith.

Regularly every year all the priests in the archdiocese attend the event but because of the current situation in the country, only the priests from the Mandalay region joined at the event and all renewed their priestly vows.

After the Mass, all the priests who joined the celebration took the chrism oil packs also for other priests who could attend the event for different reasons and situations. 

The mid-April is the holiday season and the New Year in Myanmar, on account of which, there is no frequent transportation in the country. Therefore, all priests returned to their respective parishes as fast as they can to be on time also for the Holy week services.