St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral in Freehold was filled to capacity March 26 as the Diocese of Trenton gathered for the Chrism Mass. More than 1,000 priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful representing every parish from across the four-county Diocese joined Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., for one of the most solemn and significant liturgies in the Church year.
During the Mass, Bishop O’Connell blessed the oils and consecrated the sacred chrism that will be used for the conferral of Sacraments in all parishes throughout the coming year. They will also be used for the ordination of priests and consecration of churches and altars. The Chrism Mass is also the annual gathering at which the priests of the Diocese renew their priestly commitment before the faithful.