Images from The Chrism Mass 2011
Bishop and priests concelebrate
Receiving communion surrounded by the scaffolding that is in place for the restoration of the cathedral roof.
The Bishop blesses the oil of Chrism and then breathes onto it three times to symbolise the Holy Spirit.
Deacon Gareth Coombes carries it out to the vestry where it is dispensed into small containers for clergy to take to their parish. Oil of Chrism is used on those baptised or confirmed and also for priests at their ordination.
Transferring the oils into small containers (oil stocks) is a tricky business - a rite of passage for the deacons!
As well as the oil of Chrism, there is the oil of the sick (being carefully dispensed here by Deacon Heidi de Gruchy) and the oil of Baptism used for those preparing for baptism.
See also the
Bishop's sermon at the Chrism Mass 2011
Bishop's article on anointing with oil