Benedict breathes into chrism oil at today's Holy Thursday chrism Mass. (CNS/Reuters)
Pope Benedict XVI has donated some of the chrism oil he blessed today to the earthquake-devastated Italian Archdiocese of L’Aquila.
“Because of the very serious damage caused by the earthquake, our dear brother, Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari, will not be able to gather with his priests to celebrate the chrism Mass,” the Pope said during the chrism Mass he celebrated this morning at St. Peter’s Basilica, Catholic News Service reported.
The Holy Father said he hoped the sacramental oils would “accompany a time of rebirth and reconstruction and heal wounds and encourage hope.”
Benedict’s chrism Mass is one of two papal liturgies celebrated today. Beginning at 5:30 p.m. Rome time, the Pope will preside at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Mass will be broadcast live on EWTN.
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