April 18, 2019

Bishop Mitchell Rozanski celebrates Holy Thursday Mass at St. Michael’s Cathedral

REGIONAL
Story and photos by Nick Morganelli

SPRINGFIELD — Hundreds gathered at St. Michael’s Cathedral in Springfield for Holy Thursday Mass celebrated by Springfield Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski. Joining him were Msgr. Christopher Connelly, cathedral rector, and Deacons Jose Rivera, Leo Coughlin, and Angel Perez.

The celebration, in English and Spanish, included praise and worship music that had the congregation swaying and clapping at times. Bishop Rozanski said that the example of servant leadership is at the heart of this Mass.

“If we look at the sacred triduum, it really is one event, even though it is celebrated on three different days; but they’re intricately linked because of the way Jesus gave his life for us.  

“Holy Thursday is the night where we celebrate the institution of the Eucharist, the institution of the priesthood, and the connection that Jesus makes through St. John’s Gospel of Eucharist, with service in the washing of the feet,” the bishop said.

Clergy celebrating this Mass usually wash the feet of 12 pre-chosen parishioners after the homily, as Jesus did during the Last Supper.

Asked what he hopes for those attending Holy Thursday Mass, especially someone who has never gone, Bishop Rozanski said, “Much more than the words of the liturgy or the homily is the connectedness of the washing of the feet to receiving the Eucharist. I hope for a person who comes for the first time that the visual helps them see how that is integrally linked in our lives as Catholics.”

Another tradition at the Holy Thursday Mass is the presentation of the sacramental oils which are blessed on Holy Thursday morning. Three large urns containing the oils of catechumens, of the sick, and sacred chrism are presented one by one and brought to the altar much like the presentation of the gifts at each Mass. Sacred or holy chrism is olive oil-based and is mixed with small amounts of balm or balsam. Chrism is used in baptism and confirmation, the ordination of priests, and the consecration of churches and bishops.

Dating back to the Old Testament, those who are anointed are set apart, cleansed, and healed. It reminds those who receive it that they serve a godly purpose.

The Mass ends with a procession as the Blessed Sacrament is brought to the chapel for adoration.

Bishop Rozanski also spoke about the last two days of the Triduum.

“On Good Friday, we commemorate the Lord’s death, the ultimate act of love of God for his people. We come, not with the sense of despair and loss, but with great hope because God showed his love for us by giving us his son to suffer and die for us,” he said. “And on Easter we celebrate the great resurrection of the Lord. The Easter Vigil is the service closest to what the early Christians did in the readings we have. When we initiate those who wish to become in full communion with the church, we bless the baptismal water, we baptize them, we confirm them, and then they receive the Eucharist, all the sacraments of initiation at that one Mass.

“It shows the new life that is coming into the church just as Jesus gave us new life in his resurrection from the dead,” Bishop Rozanski said.

Bishop Rozanski will celebrate the “Chalice of Salvation” Easter Sunday liturgy at the cathedral at 10 a.m. The Mass will be broadcast live on WWLP-22NEWS.