Chrism Mass Unites Clergy and Religious in Dibrugarh Diocese

Dibrugarh, 16 April 2025: The Diocese of Dibrugarh celebrated its annual Chrism Mass on 15 April 2025 at the Dibrugarh Cathedral, led by Bishop Dr. Albert Hemrom. The solemn occasion witnessed the participation of nearly 140 priests and 250 nuns.

During the Mass, priests of the diocese renewed their priestly vows in a gesture of commitment to their vocation. Bishop Dr. Albert Hemrom blessed the three holy oils—the Oil of Catechumens, the Oil of the Sick, and the Sacred Chrism—that will be used for sacramental purposes across the diocese throughout the year.

In his homily, Bishop Dr. Hemrom emphasised the missionary nature of the Church and urged clergy to embrace Pope Francis’ call to “smell of the sheep” by walking with and listening to the faithful. He reminded the clergy of their responsibility to live close to their communities and serve with compassion.

The day also included spiritual talks. Fr. Mathew Thundathil spoke on the theme “Sin and Redemption,” while Fr. Mathew Puthumana delivered a session on “Priesthood and Religious Life.” Both speakers encouraged the clergy to align themselves with the diocese’s pastoral plans and to address the real needs of local communities.

Fr. Robert Kachua led the Eucharistic Adoration, during which the Sacrament of Reconciliation was made available to participants.

A felicitation ceremony followed the Mass, during which priests were honoured with shawls and umbrellas by the Bishop. Special recognition was given to Fr. Paulus Kullu and Fr. G. P. Amalraj for successfully completing their Ph.D. in different subjects.

Among the participants were also the provincials of various congregations: Fr. Thompson Aerathedathu MSFS, Provincial of the Dibrugarh Province; Sr. Ancy Varghese MSMHC, Provincial of the Tinsukia Province; and Sr. Mabel Gothorp FMA, Provincial of the Guwahati Province.

Nearly 500 individuals participated in the celebration. Attendees included aspirants of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC), Dibrugarh; seminarians from St. Joseph Minor Seminary, Dibrugarh; apostolic boys from St. Boniface, Dibrugarh; and some parishioners of the Cathedral parish, Dibrugarh. The choir was led by the MSMHC aspirants, and Fr. Gabriel Kujur, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, provided the commentary during the liturgy.

By Fr. William Horo