Bishop Paolo Martinelli has presided over the Chrism Mass at St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, with the presence of all the priests from the parishes of UAE. The celebration was also attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to the United Arab Emirates and Yemen, Archbishop Christoph El-Kassis.

While the Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated on the morning of Holy Thursday, in the Vicariate it is held on Tuesday to allow priests to return to their parishes in time for the celebration of the Easter Triduum. 

In this context, the Bishop expressed his gratitude that, despite the current situation, all priests remained in the country and gathered for this important moment of communion.

“We are here because we have been marked with the anointing and because we have been sent. We are not here for our own personal humanitarian project. We are here because we are consecrated and sent by Christ,” he reminded in his homily. “Being anointed means that we no longer belong to ourselves, but to Christ; we are his. We are here to fulfill his mission, the priestly mission. Our priestly anointing is therefore for the people, at their service.”

The celebration included the blessing of the Oil of the Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick, the consecration of the Sacred Chrism, and the renewal of priestly promises. 

Immediately after the homily, the priests renewed their commitment to be united with Christ and to serve the Church faithfully, through the celebration of the Eucharist, the sacraments, and the ministry of teaching.

“Through the ministerial priesthood - Bishop Paolo underlined in his homily -, we bring consolation, we heal the wounds of the spirit, we bring Christ’s liberation from evil. We are ministers of mercy. War shows us the hatred that divides and kills; forgiveness and mercy reconcile individuals and peoples, give new life, break down walls and build bridges.”

During the offertory, three priests—Fr. Rex (Dubai), Fr. Edwin (Shariqah) and Fr. Augustine (Musaffah)—presented the oils at the altar. The Oil of the Sick was blessed during the Eucharistic Prayer. Before the final blessing, the Oil of the Catechumens was blessed and the Sacred Chrism— a mixture of oil and fragrant balsam—was consecrated by the Bishop. The Chrism is used in Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders, and the dedication of churches.

At the end of the Mass, the Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa, whose convent is located within the St. Joseph compound, prepared the oils for each parish. Carried by the priests back to their communities, these oils become a visible sign of the Church’s sacramental life throughout the year.