Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, this morning, I extend a fraternal welcome to my brothers in the priesthood who’ve gathered for this Chrism Mass today here at the Cathedral of St Paul. I also extend a warm welcome to the deacons, the many religious women and men in consecrated life, and to all my sisters and brothers with whom, as Christians, we journey together toward the Father. I extend a cordial welcome to Archbishop Joseph Marino, my brother in the episcopacy, and extend greetings from Bishop Baker who is on his way to Rome for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis. In a very special way, I welcome Abbot Marcus from St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman. What a blessed day this is for our diocese to celebrate this Chrism Mass as a diocesan family bringing together priests, women, and men in consecrated life, lay ministry, lay faithful! I further give greetings to all who may be participating on livestream services. You are included in our prayers today. We beg you to pray for all of us and the dynamic mission of Christ here in central and northern Alabama.

In addition, it is always good to see our seminarians assisting us today along with students and faculty representatives from our parish, diocesan, and independent schools who are present. A further welcome to those who are about to be baptized and confirmed, both catechumens and candidates, representative groups of Knights of Columbus, [the Knights and Ladies of St Peter Claver,] the Knights and Dames of the Holy Sepulcher, and many other service and charitable organizations and members of ecclesial movements that comprise the beautiful and amazing tapestry of our vibrant faith throughout the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama.

Each year, the Chrism Mass feels like a homecoming. We see many familiar faces and we make new friends. Admittedly, it’s a diocesan event I look forward to every year. It is at the very heart of who we are as a Church, especially as a body of priests on mission and part of a movement that is animated by Christ Himself through a joyful band of disciples. Particularly this year, I will focus my attention on two particular hinges that undergird our thoughts today.

Uniquely in 2025, we assemble during this Jubilee Year dedicated to overarching theme of “hope,” a time to rediscover the radiance of our calling. In addition, we do so during the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, which gave us the outline of the Nicene Creed we say every Sunday and holy day. It is in light of this Creed that the Church proclaimed with clarity: “[We are] one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.”

This is the faith of the Church we were ordained to serve. This is the Church we love and for which we lay down our lives. This is the Church who is Mother and Teacher. This is the Church who gathers us together, walks with us, and becomes the ongoing presence of Christ to the world.  

Priesthood is a tremendous gift. It is necessary for the Eucharist and our good order in the organization of our ecclesial community, yet it is misunderstood, ignored by those who don’t know it, and disparaged by those who are threatened by it. Nonetheless, parishioners everywhere pray for priests because, in spite of all of our challenges and imperfections, they want priests to be witnesses of hope and witnesses of faith, who love Christ and, in the end, “be the people they say they are” as we freely committed our lives on the day we were ordained.

Anointed for a purpose

For this reason, we catch a glimpse of the divine purpose of our mission. Today we hear again the words of the prophet Isaiah and of Jesus Himself echoing in the synagogue:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me…” (Is 61:1)  

“Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Lk 4:21)

What was fulfilled in Jesus is extended in and through us. He is the Christ—the “Anointed One”—and we, by the sacrament of Holy Orders, are conformed more and more to Him. That same Spirit rests upon us. As Pope Francis reminds us: “The priest is anointed not for himself but for others, especially for the poor, the prisoners, and the oppressed.” Our work has always been for others for which everything we do is a gift and a blessing.

Accordingly, the three oils we bless today are not decorative or nice add-ons. They are sacramental signs of hope.

The Oil of the Catechumens strengthens those preparing to renounce Satan and darkness and walk, instead, into the light of faith.  

The Oil of the Sick is balm for the suffering and a powerful reminder that no one suffers alone.  

And the Sacred Chrism—fragrant and consecrated—marks and strengthens those who will be baptized, confirmed, ordained, or sent. It is the oil of mission and identity. As such, it is also used in the consecration of altars and dedication of churches. It is charged with an extraordinary power that enables us to transform our hearts and be bold in ministry, even to the ends of the earth.

And we, my brothers, are the “bearers of this anointing.” As our co-patron, St. John Vianney, beautifully said: “The priest is not a priest for himself—he is a priest for you.”

Ministers of Hope

The Jubilee Year also calls us to be agents of hope in a weary and distracted world. We do not offer shallow optimism or a feel-good-ism, but Christ Himself, crucified and risen. The Oil of the Sick tells us that death will not have the final word. The Oil of the Catechumens proclaims that sin does not define us. The Chrism speaks of mission that endures, even when institutions are fragile.

“To be a priest in times of trial is not a burden—it is a grace,” says Pope Francis. “We stand not alone but in the hope of Christ crucified and risen.”

May we not forget that each time we dip our thumb in oil and make the sign of the cross, we are saying to someone, “God is not finished with you.”

And He is not finished with “us” either. Pope St. John Paul II had a passion and love for priests and shared this incisive thought: “Priests, you are not only the leaders of your communities—you are witnesses of hope, builders of unity, and heralds of the living God.”

Whenever we hesitate or fail in providing hope, forgiving the faults of another, seeking to be constructive in our relationships with each other to build unity, or proclaiming the Good News of Christ Who is our reconciliation, we underestimate the power of our call and the duty of our mission.

As agents of hope, we are united in the disposition that “this hope will not disappoint,” and thus we must offer it to those we encounter in ministry. [Doing so] places an anchor in our destiny so that we can be tugged and pulled toward union with Christ.

Renewed in mission, united in creed

During this anniversary year of the Council of Nicaea, we also recall that the Creed we profess is not merely a recitation of words; rather, it's something we live and that becomes of the fiber of our being. I think especially about the four marks of the Church – we are one, holy, catholic, and apostolic:

We are “one” united with each other, with our bishop, so as to be united in Christ and His mission among us. We pray ardently for this unity among all believers.

We are “holy.” That is to say, we are not perfect but set apart by grace and rely on the mercy of God to become who we truly are – one who acts in persona Christi.  

We are “catholic,” sent to all, embracing all, with hearts and doors wide open to welcome those who want to walk with us to eternity.

We are “apostolic,” rooted in Christ and sent forth with His authority entrusted to the Apostles and their successors. In other words, we are connected in history, connected in our present reality, and connected as a family with a common destiny.

Even when we serve in remote areas or distant corners of the diocese or feel isolated in our parishes, we are not alone. The Chrism Mass proclaims our unity—in prayer, in mission, and in hope. We must live as though we genuinely believe it.

Gratitude and Renewal

So today, beloved brothers, we renew our priestly promises, renew our joy, rekindle our hope. Remember that the oils we bless today are not only for the faithful. They are also for us as priests as we carry their meaning in our souls.

Thank you for your “yes,” your courage, your sacrifices, your daily faithfulness. Your “yes” to Christ brings His mercy, your courage to live in contradiction to the world’s expectations, and your faithfulness to proclaim: “I belong to the High Priest, Jesus Christ.” This is the grace, healing, and peace for which the world waits.

And to you, my dear people of God, thank you for loving your priests who minister to you. Continue to pray for us, walk with us, and challenge us. We carry your joys and wounds in our hearts, place them on the altar in every Mass we offer, preach about the hope that Christ offers in every homily, and bless and console with every anointing we do.

Conclusion: Today and every day

Let the oils we bless today remind us that Christ still heals; Christ still calls; Christ still sends.

From Athens to Clanton, from Reform to Anniston, from St. Florian to Lanett, and from Scottsboro to Demopolis and all our parishes, schools and institutions, and throughout the 39 counties of northern Alabama that comprise the Diocese of Birmingham, may it be said once again: “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” Amen.