BISHOP VLADIMIR FEKETE: “THE LAMP OF OUR LIFE MUST BE FILLED WITH THE OIL OF GOD’S MERCY”

On April 1, Holy Wednesday, the Chrism Mass was celebrated at the main Catholic church of the capital, the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, presided over by the Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, Bishop Vladimir Fekete.

This Mass is celebrated once a year during Holy Week and is marked by special solemnity and liturgical significance.

As a sign of the unity of priests and faithful with their bishop, all the clergy of the Apostolic Prefecture in Azerbaijan concelebrated the liturgy with Bishop Vladimir.

In accordance with ancient Catholic tradition, on this day the priests of the local Church renewed their priestly promises before their bishop and the entire assembly of the faithful.

Bishop Vladimir Fekete addressed the priests and the faithful with a homily.

“In the Greek language, the word ‘elaion’ — oil — has since ancient times been associated with the word ‘eleos’ — mercy. Indeed, consecrated oil is a sign of God’s mercy manifested in the sacraments. Therefore, anointing to the priesthood also signifies the mission to bring God’s mercy and grace to people. In order to fulfill this mission, we must ensure that the lamp of our life is always filled with the oil of grace and mercy. Dear brother priests, strive to receive this oil from the Lord every day — in personal prayer, in encountering His Word and His Holy Mysteries,” Bishop Vladimir Fekete said in his homily.