- Bishop Ayah describes the Priesthood as a Gratuitous Gift from God, harps on Priest-lay collaboration
By COSMAS ESSIET
The Presbyterium, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo gathered earlier today, the 2nd day of April 2026, at the Bishop James Moynagh Pastoral Centre, Uyo, for the celebration of the 2026 Chrism Mass.
The Presbyterium, Religious and Lay Faithful of the Catholic Diocese of Uyo gathered earlier today, the 2nd day of April 2026, at the Bishop James Moynagh Pastoral Centre, Uyo, for the celebration of the 2026 Chrism Mass.
The celebration of the Chrism Mass is one of the important celebrations of the Holy Triduum. Traditionally, the celebration is held on Holy Thursday; however, for pastoral reasons, the celebration could be held on any day within the Holy Week preceding Holy Thursday. It may be celebrated for very grave reasons outside the Holy Week, as was the case during the lockdown. During the celebration of the Chrism Mass, we recall the Institution of the Holy Eucharist and the Holy Orders.
On this day, the Oils that will be used by Priests during the year are blessed. The Bishop blesses oleum infirmorum (oil of the sick), oleum catechumenrum (Oil of Catechumen), and Sacrum Chrisma (the Oil of Chrism) is consecrated. Once blessed in this way, the Chrism and the other oils are no longer ordinary ointments, but they become holy and precious gifts from God to the Church. The Oil of Catechumens signifies cleansing. The Oil of the Sick signifies strengthening, comfort, and healing. And the Oil of Chrism confers on us, the life-giving grace of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Mass had as the Chief Celebrant the Catholic Bishop of Uyo Diocese , His Lordship Most Rev. John Ayah. In his introductory remarks, the Bishop expressed his sentiments of gratitude to God for His continual guidance and protection, and also for the opportunity given to the people of God to gather once more as a family. Noting that “today we gather with the Bishop and the Priests to thank God for the gift of the Priesthood and for sustaining us these past years, trusting that He will continue to keep us safe in His arms, despite our unfaithfulness. We thank the faithful who have been very supportive of the Priestly Ministry and ask that they continue to pray for the well-being of our Priests.”
In his homily, the Bishop, first, congratulated the priests, as they continue to weather the storm associated with the call to the Priesthood, and for preserving the gift of the Sacred Priesthood since the day of Ordination, and points out that, the Priesthood is a Sacred Vocation and a gratuitous gift from God for the salvation of His people. He reminded the Priests that ‘today is not a day for us to sing praises of our triumph, the battles we have won or to recount the woes that have befallen us, but a day to reflect on our trustworthiness and faithfulness to the Sacred Priesthood, examine our journey so far, perhaps we have done well, perhaps we have not done too well, perhaps we have done exceedingly well, perhaps we have failed.. “
Continuing, he harped on the fact the Sacred Priesthood is a participation in the Priesthood of Christ, a gift, based on trust. The Priesthood of Christ, he said, does not originate from Christ, Christ was appointed by God to offer sacrifice, which we also share, according to the Order of Melchizedek. This Priesthood has a condition: total obedience to the Father, which made Christ resign to death, even death on a cross, saying, not my will, but thy will be done.
The Chief Shepherd also charged the lay faithful to recognize the invaluable role of priests in their spiritual lives and to continually support them through prayer, understanding, and practical care. He emphasized the importance of fostering a spirit of unity, collaboration, and mutual respect within the diocesan community, where each member contributes meaningfully to the growth of the Church.
After the homily the Priests present renewed their Priestly Vows/Promises. The Blessing / Consecration of Oils followed immediately after the Holy Communion.
Photo Credit: Utibe Udoma