About 900 Catholic faithful and 42 diocesan priests gathered at the Santa Maria Parish Center in Pekhon Diocese, on Saturday, October 31, 2026, for the celebration of the Chrism Mass. Bishop Felice Bahtoo of the Diocese of Pekhon led the solemn liturgy.

During the Mass, priests renewed their priestly promises, and Bishop Bahtoo consecrated the sacred oils used throughout the diocese for sacraments and healing.

In his opening remarks, Bishop Bahtoo stressed the foundational role of the sacred oils in the life of every believer.

“The Chrism Mass is a memorial and core of the Christian life, for as a Catholic, we cannot be exempt from these Holy Oils,” Bishop Bahtoo said.

He explained the distinct spiritual purpose of each oil.

The Oil of Catechumens opens the door for believers to enter the One, Holy, Apostolic, and Catholic Church.

The Sacred Chrism anoints the faithful to become “soldiers of Christ” and fully mature Christians.

The Oil of the Sick brings spiritual and physical healing to those suffering from illness.

In his homily, Bishop Bahtoo reflected on the inseparable bond between the Holy Oils and the ministerial priesthood. He pointed to Luke 4:16–19 to show how Jesus was anointed to bring good news to the poor and set captives free.

“As a priest, we are chosen and anointed on the day of our ordination,” the Bishop said. “We are sent to proclaim the Good News in season and out of season. We are sent to set people free as an Apostle of Mercy, and we are sent to make Jesus known and loved.”

Following the homily, all attending priests gathered around the altar to renew their priestly vows before the Bishop. Bishop Bahtoo then proceeded with the liturgical rites to bless the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism.

The celebration concluded with words of gratitude to the donors whose generous contributions supported the clergy’s Annual Retreat.

As Bishop Bahtoo reminded those present, the oils are not just symbols. They are signs of God’s grace, flowing through the Church to heal, strengthen, and sanctify. And the priests who renew their promises each year do so not for themselves, but for the people they are sent to serve.

The celebration ended with quiet gratitude—for the priests who said yes to their calling, for the donors who support them, and for the faithful who came together to witness a tradition that ties the diocese together in faith and love.

By RVA Kayan Service