Holy Thursday - falling on April 6th this year - is the beginning of the Christian calendar's most sacred days
At the Mass of Chrism celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Anne, Cork, Bishop Fintan Gavin will be the principal celebrant and most of the priests of the diocese will concelebrate.
The 10am Mass includes a renewal of the promises made at ordination by all the priests. Lay people from across the diocese also attend and participate.
The Holy Oil used at Baptism (Catechumens) and the Oil of the Sick (Infirmorum) are blessed and Chrism which is used at Baptism, Confirmation and Ordination is also consecrated by the bishop.
The holy oils are then taken to the parishes, hospitals and other chapels in the diocese where they are used throughout the year.
Holy Oils used in sacraments throughout the year
The Mass of Chrism will also be available via livestream at www.corkcathedral.ie/live-stream
