RELIGION

Pope celebrates Holy Thursday ahead of foot-washing ritual

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Pope Francis stands next to an amphora containing holy oil during a Chrism Mass inside St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican, Thursday, April 18, 2019. During the Mass the Pontiff blesses a token amount of oil that will be used to administer the sacraments for the year. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

A Swiss Guard stands attention prior to a Holy Thursday Mass with blessing of oils, in St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican,Thursday, April 18, 2019. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

Pope Francis is ushering in the most solemn period in the Catholic liturgical calendar by celebrating a Holy Thursday Mass, made more poignant this year following the devastation of Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Crism Mass celebrates the unity of priests with their bishops. During Thursday's service, Francis blesses the holy oils that will be used over the course of the year in the administration of various sacraments.

In his homily, Francis stressed that when priests use the oil, they are distributing their vocation and heart to the people of God.

This year, Holy Week — which for Catholics commemorates Christ's crucifixion, death and resurrection — has taken on particular meaning following the fire at Notre Dame, a symbol of French Catholicism.

Francis has offered his condolences repeatedly to the French faithful.