At chrism Mass, Pope says priests must be honest, courageous

Published: 2008-03-20

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- A priest must be honest, righteous, courageous in the face of evil and at the humble service of God and humanity, Pope Benedict XVI said. The pope made his comments March 20 at a chrism Mass in St. Peter's Basilica where he led more than 1,500 priests and bishops in a renewal of their ordination promises. The pope, presiding over the first of two Holy Thursday liturgies, blessed the oils which will be used in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation, ordination and the anointing of the sick. Deacons carried the oils in large silver urns to the main altar while catechumens, youths preparing for confirmation, the sick and deacons about to be ordained in the Diocese of Rome wheeled small tables carrying large, artistic urns called "anfore," which also contained the sacramental oils. In his homily, the pope reminded his audience of the vows many of them made when they embraced the priesthood: to stand before God and serve him.

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