by Evelyn Jock
The Chrism Mass is one of the most significant liturgical celebrations in the Catholic Church. On 12 March 2026, the faithful of the Sandakan Diocese gathered as the Bishop, Rt. Rev. Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom concelebrated the Eucharist with his diocesan priests from the parishes of Tawau, Lahad Datu, Telupid, Beluran and Paitan Mission.This sacred celebration highlights the unity between the Bishop, his priests, religious and the people of God within the diocese.
During the Chrism Mass, the Bishop consecrates the Sacred Chrism and blesses the Oil of the Sick and the Oil of Catechumens. These holy oils are essential in the sacramental life of the Church and signify the presence and power of the Holy Spirit working through the sacraments.
The Sacred Chrism is used in the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Orders. Through this anointing, the faithful share in the priesthood of Christ and participate in the life and mission of the Church according to their vocation— whether as priests, religious, or members of the laity. The Oil of Catechumens is used to strengthen those preparing for Baptism, helping the elect to prepare spiritually for their new life in Christ. The Oil of the Sick is used in the Anointing of the Sick, bringing comfort, strength and healing to those who are ill or elderly. These sacred oils remind the faithful of the grace of the Holy Spirit given through the sacraments.
In his homily, the Bishop invited the faithful to reflect on the opening prayer of the Mass, asking God to graciously grant that we, who are made sharers in Christ’s consecration, may bear witness to His redemption in the world. Though short and simple, the prayer carries a profound message.
First, God anointed His Son with the Holy Spirit and made Him Christ, the Lord. Second, through the sacraments, we too become sharers in that consecration. Third, we are called to bear witness to Christ’s redemption in the world.
Every time the sacred oils are used in the Church’s liturgy, the faithful are reminded that they share in Christ’s consecration and mission. As disciples, we are called to continue Christ’s work by bringing His love and mercy to others, especially to those who are not yet in communion with God. This witness is lived out in the quality of our daily lives. Christ remains the centre of the Christian faith. Without Christ’s saving mission, there would be no meaning to our faith, our prayer, or our gathering as a Church. Through the Paschal Mystery— His passion, death, resurrection and ascension— Christ has broken the chains of sin and death and opened for us the path to eternal life. As believers, we are called to be witnesses of this great mystery through our faith and the way we live our lives.
During the Mass, the priests also renewed their priestly promises before the Bishop and the people of God. The Bishop reflected on the Preface of the Mass which reminds us that Christ not only made His people a royal priesthood but also, in His loving kindness, chose certain men to share in His sacred ministry through the laying on of hands. Through the renewal of these promises, the priests recommitted themselves to faithfully celebrate the Eucharist and the liturgical rites, and to serve as stewards of the mysteries of God for the salvation of His people.
The Bishop also encouraged the faithful to do their part by supporting their Bishop and priests through prayers. By praying for them, the community strengthens their ministry, helps them remain faithful and holy shepherds who lead people closer to Christ. The faithful were also urged to pray for more vocations and also to pray for the seminarians so that more young men may respond generously to God’s call to serve His Church.
Despite being a diocese for twenty years, the number of priests in the Sandakan Diocese remains very small. Bishop Julius expressed his concern that one of the greatest challenges of the diocese is the limited number of priests to serve the growing needs of the faithful. At the same time, he acknowledged that the diocese continues to encounter many blessed opportunities and challenges in its mission.
During his sharing, Bishop Julius congratulated his priests for their faithful service in the diocese and thanked the people of God who continue to support them. Despite its limitations, the community remains united in prayer, encouraging and supporting one another in faith.
The Chrism Mass is therefore not only a celebration of the blessing of holy oils, but also a powerful reminder of the unity of the Church and the shared mission of all the faithful to bear witness to Christ in the world.