Archbishop Timothy Broglio blesses oil at Chrism Mass of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, in Washington, DC, on April 8, 2025.
CV NEWS FEED // Bishops, priests, and chaplains serving in the Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS) this month renewed their ministerial commitment at the annual Chrism Mass, where Archbishop Timothy Broglio blessed and consecrated sacramental oils for the upcoming year.
The April 8 Mass took place at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception’s Crypt Church in Washington, D.C., and more than 250 faithful attended, according to an AMS press release. The Cadet Catholic Choir of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, sang for the liturgy.
Archbishop Broglio delivered the homily, encouraging those present to keep their focus on Jesus, “the Lord of history and the only hope for humanity.” The archbishop also spoke on how military chaplains offer hope to all those in need.
According to AMS, Archbishop Broglio emphasized that one of the duties of military clergy members is tending to immigrants and refugees.
“It is simply what Matthew wrote when he quoted the Lord Jesus,” the archbishop stated. “‘I was a stranger, and you welcomed me. Hungry, and you fed me. Thirsty, and you gave me to drink. Naked, and you clothed me.’ In our quest to see the Lord, we only have to look there, and we meet Him, as He identifies with those most in need.”
He said that these corporal works of mercy are “a part of the commitment that we, Your Excellencies and reverend Fathers, renew this evening. We preach the message of the Gospel in word and in deed. We encourage our sisters and brothers in their responsibility to give witness to that message of hope.”
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Archbishop Broglio added that the privilege of caring for the faithful can also be costly, so priests, chaplains, and bishops must offer up their suffering in participation with the Crucifixion. This offering is made especially during the Chrism Mass, which the archbishop noted celebrates the constancy of the priestly vocation.
“The times might challenge our commitment,” the archbishop said. “The weight of years might stoop our shoulders. Illness might lessen the ability to meet every expectation, and the price of sacrifice, a bit more than I expected. Yet we remember that eagerness of our response to the Lord’s call, the joy of going to His altar, and the constancy of His loving support.”
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