Pope Francis celebrates Holy Thursday Mass ahead of foot-washing ritual

Pope Francis stands next to an amphora containing holy oil during a Chrism Mass inside St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, Thursday, April 18, 2019. During the Mass the Pontiff blesses a token amount of oil that will be used to administer the sacraments for the year. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis is ushering in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass, made more poignant this year following the devastation of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Chrism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops. During Thursday’s service, Pope Francis blessed holy oils that will be used over the course of the year in the administration of various sacraments.

In his homily, Pope Francis stressed that when priests use the oil, they are distributing their vocation and heart to the people of God.

This year, Holy Week – which for Catholics commemorates Christ’s crucifixion, death, and resurrection – has taken on particular meaning following the fire at Notre Dame, a symbol of French Catholicism.

Pope Francis has offered his condolences repeatedly to the French faithful. /kga