Pope Francis began Holy Thursday by celebrating Chrism Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.
This is a special Mass for priests, since it is celebrated on the day of the consecration of their priesthood, at the Last Supper. Priests typically celebrate this Mass with their Bishop, and in the case of Rome, the Pope.
In his homily, the Pope encouraged priests to rediscover their vocation. He prayed for those who may be facing an internal crisis.
POPE FRANCIS
I keep these brothers in mind. I simply say: have courage. The Lord is greater than your weaknesses and your sins. Trust the Lord and let Him call you a second time, this time with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis urged the priests to center their lives on service to the Church, guided by the Spirit of truth.
POPE FRANCIS
Living a double life will not help you. Neither will throwing the priesthood away. Look ahead, let the anointing of the Holy Spirit embrace you.
The Pope recommended a book to them: The Second Call, by a French priest.
After the homily, Pope Francis led the hundreds of priests present at the Mass in renewing the promises made at their ordination. He blessed three sacred oils to be used in the Diocese of Rome: the oil of the sick; the oil of the catechumens; and the chrism for baptisms and ordinations.
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