The annual Chrism Mass took place Tuesday morning at the Cathedral of St. Patrick in Norwich, where hundreds of faithful communicants continued the celebration of Holy Week leading up to Easter.

The Most Rev. Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, blessed the sacramental oils that will be used by parishes throughout the diocese in the coming year for baptism, confirmation, anointing of the sick and the ordination of priests.

Bishop Cote also acknowledged the terrible fire that almost completely destroyed the Roman Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris the day before the Mass.

“Churches are great places, they are holy places,” he said. “They honor God, but they honor us as well.”