Bishops have blessed the oils during Holy Week from the earliest times. Originally, the oils were blessed at the Easter Vigil, as part of the baptism rite, as new members of the Church received the sacraments of initiation, baptism, confirmation and Eucharist, on that night. As the Church grew, it became impossible for the Bishop to baptise all the new members of the Church. So a special liturgy was established to bless the oils, which were then carried for use to other churches in the diocese.

Traditionally, this Mass was held on Holy Thursday. In 1955, it was decided that the Mass of the Chrism should be held at a time that allowed the faithful to attend. For many years now the Mass has been held in our diocese on the Wednesday night of Holy Week. This year it was decided to celebrate the Mass of the Chrism in Kilrush Church, to mark the completion of the wonderful renovation work on the Church. Other parishes in West Clare also participated and made it a real celebration of the Cluster.

Afterwards many people commented that it was the first time they had ever participated in the Mass of the Chrism. One women commented ‘It really brought home to me that we are all part of the diocese.'