A visit to London today with fellow 365-er Dan, @danclarke. This is Chrism Mass at Westminster Cathedral (the seat of the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster, and Mother Church for Catholics across England and Wales). It looks better viewed on black if you have the time.
The rite of the Chrism Mass goes back to around 200 years after the events of the New Testament and is one of the earliest traditions of the Church. During the Mass, those present are called to renew their baptismal promises; priests/ministers and deacons also reaffirm their ministry by renewing the promises made at their ordination.
The Mass takes its name from the blessing of the holy oils used in the sacraments throughout the year, which are then given to priests/ministers to take back to their parishes.
The Rite of Reception of the Oils by representatives of the diocesan parishes is a sign of each parish's unity with the Bishop and the diocesan Church.
As this picture was taken the Cathedral was filled with the sounds of the organ and congregation singing the entrance hymn as the clergy filed in to take up their seats around the altar.
In the CofE, the Chrism mass happens during the day on Maundy Thursday with evening services, followed by vigils (to remember the vigil of Jesus with Peter, James and John in the Garden of Gethsemane
WoW , I was raised a Roman Catholic, never heard of such a mass; I guess the Netherlands were very relaxed in those matters 50 years ago... Interesting Peter ! And good shot.
@momamo Monique, I believe it fell into abeyance and has been revived (no pun intended) only in the last 20 years or so, so your experience reflects the history.
Ian