Bishop Stephen preached at the Chrism Eucharist on Thursday of Holy Week, 6 April 2023, at Salisbury Cathedral. In his address for all clergy and licensed lay ministers in the diocese, he said: "If we but work together, if we live faithfully, if we share burdens, if we listen and if we love above anything else, then you, each one of you, is the oil of gladness." Read the full sermon on our website or watch it on the Salisbury Cathedral YouTube channel featured below.
During the Eucharist, the Bishop blessed sacred oils for the year ahead, and clergy and ministers of the diocese renewed their ordination vows.
These oils represent:
The Oil of the Sick: this is blessed to be used in the Church’s ministry to the sick and dying, following the example of the apostles and the teaching of St James.
The Oil of Baptism: this oil, sometimes called the oil of the catechumens, is used to prepare those who are to be baptised. It is a sign of the grace of God leading them and strengthening their wills in his service.
The Oil of Chrism: this oil is the sign of the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Those who are baptised and confirmed are marked with the sign of the cross, symbolising their place in the royal and prophetic priesthood of Christ’s Body.