Holy oils blessed, priests renew promises at chrism Mass
Cardinal Cupich was the main celebrant during the chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral on March 31, 2026. Three oils are blessed by the cardinal each year during Holy Week. Chrism is used in baptismal anointing, confirmation, priestly and episcopal ordinations, and during the dedication of churches. The other holy oils are used in the anointing of the sick and for catechumens. Priests from the Archdiocese of Chicago also joined Cardinal Cupich in renewing their vows. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
A priest holds onto a program during Mass. Cardinal Cupich was the main celebrant during the chrism Mass at Holy Name Cathedral on March 31, 2026. Three oils are blessed by the cardinal each year during Holy Week. Chrism is used in baptismal anointing, confirmation, priestly and episcopal ordinations, and during the dedication of churches. The other holy oils are used in the anointing of the sick and for catechumens. Priests from the Archdiocese of Chicago also joined Cardinal Cupich in renewing their vows. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich gives the homily during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Priests renew their priestly promises following the homily during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich prepares to bless the oil of the sick. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Conrad Espino carries the oil of the sick through the congregation for Cardinal Cupich to bless. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Juan Carlos Bautista presents the oil of Catechumens to Cardinal Cupich for a blessing. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Deacon Juan Carlos Bautista presents the oil of Catechumens to the congregation following the blessing by Cardinal Cupich. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich prepares to pour the balsam into the chrism oil held by Deacon Raymond Grieshaber. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Timothy J. Fairman, pastor of St. Theresa Parish in Palatine, prays over the chrism oil with all the priests. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Auxiliary bishops pray during the blessing of the sacred chrism. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Members of the congregation pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Assisted by Deacon John Rahimi, Cardinal Cupich receives incense. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Assisted by Deacon John Rahimi, Cardinal Cupich elevates the chalice. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Auxiliary bishops join Cardinal Cupich for the Eucharistic Prayer. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Members of the congregation pray during Mass. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Miguel Martínez, pastor of Santa María del Popolo Parish in Mundelein, distributes Communion to priests. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Father Sergio E. Rivas Tamayo and Father Tim Monahan walk together in the final procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Auxiliary Bishops Francis Kane and José María Garcia-Maldonado walk together in the final procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Cardinal Cupich blesses the congregation in the final procession. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Volunteers pass out boxes containing the three oils to parishioners who will take them back to their parishes for use throughout the year. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
Volunteers pass out boxes containing the three oils to parishioners who will take them back to their parishes for use throughout the year. (Karen Callaway/Chicago Catholic)
