On Maundy, Thursday, April 6th, The Readers and Clergy from across the Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory came together at the invitation of the Bishop for the Chrism Eucharist during which they renewed their commitment to ministry and received the oils which were blessed to be used in the pastoral and sacramental aspects of their ministry in the coming year.
The Chrism Eucharist was held in The Cathedral Church of St Canice, Kilkenny and was led by the Right Reverend Adrian Wilkinson the Bishop of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.
Reflecting on some words in John Chapter 15, in his sermon the Bishop reminded the congregation that Jesus says to his disciples, ‘I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father.’ Deep human friendship is a wonderful gift, enriching our lives, a relationship in which there is trust, affection, mutuality, and permission to be vulnerable and honest. This is the relationship Jesus offers us when he says, ‘You are my friends.’
Readings were from 1 Samuel 3:1-10, Revelation 1:5-8 and the Gospel reading was taken from Luke 7: 36-50.
Following the celebration of the Eucharist the clergy were invited by Bishop Adrian and Jacqui Wilkinson to enjoy lunch together at the Bishop’s House, before heading back to their own parishes to begin the most solemn three days – known as the Triduum – in the Church’s calendar.
