The Chrism Mass of Holy Thursday, St. Peter’s Basilica April 2, 2026, presided over by Pope Leo XIV. This solemn liturgy, celebrated during Holy Week, brings together priests, bishops, and the faithful for the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year.
The three sacred oils utilised within the Catholic Church
The three sacred oils used within the Catholic Church—generally consecrated by a bishop during the annual Chrism Mass—are the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of Catechumens, and the Holy Chrism. These oils hold significant spiritual importance in sacramental rites, symbolising themes of healing, purification, and dedication to God.
Holy Chrism (SC): A mixture of olive oil and balsam (a fragrant perfume), consecrated by the bishop for use in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the blessing of churches and altars.
Oil of Catechumens (OI or OC): Pure olive oil used to anoint individuals preparing for baptism, symbolising the need for divine strength and protection.
Oil of the Sick (OS or OI): Pure olive oil employed in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, signifying spiritual and physical comfort and resilience.
Booklet of Holy Chrism Mass St. Peter’s Basilica
Dear brothers and sisters, We are now on the threshold of the Easter Triduum. Once again, the Lord will lead us to the culmination of his mission, so that his passion, death and resurrection may become the heart of our mission. What we are about to relive, in fact, possesses the power to transform what human pride generally tends to harden: our identity and our place in the world. Jesus’ freedom changes hearts, heals wounds, refreshes and brightens our faces, reconciles and gathers us together, and forgives and raises us up.
In this, my first year presiding over the Chrism Mass as Bishop of Rome, I would like to reflect with you on the mission to which God calls us as his people. It is the Christian mission, the very same as Jesus’, not another. Each of us takes part in it according to our own vocation in a deeply personal obedience to the voice of the Spirit, yet never without others, never neglecting or breaking communion! Bishops and priests, as we renew our promises, we are at the service of a missionary people. Together with all the baptized, we are the Body of Christ, anointed by his Spirit of freedom and consolation, the Spirit of prophecy and unity.
Photographs of Holy Chrism Mass St. Peter’s Basilica
Pope Leo XIV presided over the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday in St. Peter’s Basilica, with hundreds of bishops and priests in attendance, all of whom renewed the vows made at their ordination.
In his inaugural homily for the Chrism Mass as Bishop of Rome, the Pope reflected on the divine mission to which God calls every Christian, highlighting that this calling aligns closely with the mission of Jesus.
Each of us engages in this mission in accordance with our individual calling, guided by a sincere obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit, whilst never acting in isolation, nor disregarding or disrupting the sense of communion,
Ahead of the Easter Triduum, commencing with the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday evening, Pope Leo noted that the central observances of the Christian liturgical calendar possess the capacity to challenge human pride, facilitate healing, promote reconciliation among individuals, and foster a sense of unity.