Photo by David Pace

ATLANTA–Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., celebrated the annual Chrism Mass April 12 at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Atlanta. Concelebrating were auxiliaries Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, and Bishop Bernard E. Shlesinger III, and the priests of the archdiocese.

The archbishop blessed the sacramental oils that will be used in parishes across the archdiocese in the coming year, and he led priests in renewing the promises made at their ordinations.

The Tuesday afternoon Mass was the largest gathering of priests since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv., pours the perfumed balsam into the oil at the April 12 Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Photo by David Pace

“From my vantage point, you are a beautiful sight,” Archbishop Hartmayer told his brother priests.

In his homily, he thanked God for all the anointed hands who will administer the oils. The anointed touch the wounds of others “and the sins and worries of the people,” he said.

Honored at the Mass were 11 jubilarian priests, celebrating 25 and 50 years in the priesthood. Archbishop Hartmayer also incardinated a priest into the archdiocese for service.