"The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me." (Is 61:1)
The 2026 Chrism Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich. The Most Rev. Richard F. Reidy, Bishop of the Diocese of Norwich, presided over the sacred liturgy, which marks a highlight of Holy Week.
This special Mass featured the bishop's blessing of the holy oils — used throughout the year for sacraments such as Baptism, Confirmation, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders — and the Renewal of Priestly Promises by the clergy of the Diocese.
We invite you to watch the video of the full Mass, especially Bishop Reidy's inspiring homily, which offered a deeply honest and hope-filled vision for the Church today.
"The Chrism Mass reminds us and engenders in us wonderment and astonishment," the bishop said in his homily. He said that Jesus "is still with us and active among us, present and active within the sacraments."
The blessed oils, he said, will go to every church in the diocese in a sign of unity.
"They will be used at every baptism, confirmation, ordination, and anointing for the next year," he said.
Whether you attended in person or are watching from home, this liturgy offers a powerful way to reflect on the meaning of Holy Week and the sacred role of the priesthood.
ā” Watch the 2026 Chrism Mass and homily below. (30:35)
Prayerful Best Wishes are extended to all Priest Jubilarians!
60 Years
Reverend Roland C. Cloutier
Reverend Michael J. Gill
Reverend Michael Sequeira
55 Years
Reverend Alfred Irving
Reverend Augustine Naduvilekoot
Reverend Stanley J. Szczapa
50 Years
Reverend Joseph C. Ashe
Reverend Rene L. Parent, M.S.
45 Years
Reverend George Villamthanam, CST
35 Years
Reverend Brian J. Converse
Reverend Michael C. Giannitelli
Reverend James J. Sucholet
30 Years
Reverend Gzregorz Brozonowicz
25 Years
Reverend Christopher Zmuda
To view more photos from the 2026 Chrism Mass, please click here.