Archbishop Charles Scicluna is this morning celebrating chrism mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral. The event was streamed live as part of the Curia’s new form of outreach to the Maltese public using technology and the social media. 

These are the first Holy Week celebrations for Mgr Scicluna since becoming Archbishop.

Chrism mass is the only morning mass celebrated on Maundy Thursday. During the ceremony, priests renew their vows and the bishop blesses three oils — the oil of catechumens, the oil of the infirm and holy chrism — which will be used in the administration of the sacraments throughout the diocese for the year. 

During homily, Mgr Scicluna appealed to priests to be shepherds to the flock. Pope John Paul II had led his papacy on the message of Totus Tuus – which encompasses the shepherd’s duty to give his life to the flock and to help the weak and those who have been pushed to the side. Pope Benedict XVI had chosen the motto ‘Cooperators of the truth,’ which means cooperators of Jesus, and Pope Francis I also speaks clearly with both words and action.

The Archbishop told priests not to remain closed up in the archaeology of convents that have been turned into museums. “You are the ears and mouth of the biggest Bishop of them all – the eternal father. You have to be the shepherds of God’s people.”

Many priests from the Malta diocese, including Archbishop Emeritus Paul Cremona, attended the celebration. Another, similar mass was held in Gozo, led by Gozo Bishop Mario Grech.

The Archbishop’s Holy Week activities continue this evening where he will celebrate the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, which includes the rite of the washing of the feet.

Tomorrow, Good Friday, Mgr Scicluna will lead another mass at St John’s, which will include the narration of the passion of Christ. On Saturday he will lead the Easter vigil, starting at 8pm, which includes the blessing of the new fire, and he will celebrate Easter mass on Sunday at 9.15am, also at St John’s Co-Cathedral.