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 blessed the holy oils that will be used over the course of the year in the administration of sacraments.
"We anoint by dirtying our hands in touching the wounds, the sins and the worries of the people," he said. "We anoint by perfuming our hands in touching their faith, their hopes, their fidelity and the unconditional generosity of their self-giving. Francis has offered his condolences repeatedly to the French faithful, and on Wednesday fielded a call from U.S. President Donald Trump offering the sympathy of the American people over the loss, the Vatican spokesman said.
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