Bishop Anthony B. Taylor prays during the combined Chrism and Jubilarian Mass at Christ the King Church in Little Rock, as priests bow their heads in prayer. The Mass was closed to the public, but livestreamed. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Seminarians Deacon Daniel Velasco (left), Jaime Nieto, Jonathan Semmler and Deacon Joseph Friend present the chrism oil Aug. 10. The oil, mixed with chrism fragrance by the bishop, will be used in the priestly ordinations of Deacons Velasco and Friend Aug. 15. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor breathes on the chrism oil to symbolize the Holy Spirit coming down, consecrating it. It is used in baptisms, confirmation, holy orders and when a church or altar is consecrated. Father Juan Guido served as master of ceremonies during the Mass. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor extends his hands along with priests from throughout the diocese to bless the consecrated chrism oil during the Chrism/Jubilarian Mass Aug. 10 at Christ the King Church in Little Rock. (Aprille Hanson photo)

The Chrism/Jubilarian Mass was closed to the public but livestreamed Aug. 10. Priests from across the diocese attended, sitting distanced and with masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor celebrates the liturgy of the Eucharist with priests marking their jubilees, including Father Jerome Earley (far left, 25 years), Father Greg Luyet (brown mask, 25 years), Father Amal Raju Punganoor Lourduswamy (25 years) and Abbot Leonard Wangler (50 years). Jubilarians Msgr. J. Gaston Hebert (60 years) and Father Siprianus Ola Rotok (25 years) were not present. (Aprille Hanson photo)

Jubilarian priests pose with Bishop Anthony B. Taylor after the Chrism/Jubilarian Mass Aug. 10 at Christ the King Church in Little Rock. Seen are Abbot Leonard Wangler, 50 years (left); Father Jerome Earley, 25 years; Father Amal Raju Punganoor Lourduswamy, 25 years; and Father Greg Luyet, 25 years. (Aprille Hanson photo)

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Chrism Mass also honored priests celebrating jubilees

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chrism Mass had been rescheduled, livestreamed

Published: August 11, 2020

Aprille Hanson

Aprille Hanson

Seminarians Daniel Wendel (left) and Nathan Ashburn present the oil of the sick to Bishop Anthony B. Taylor to bless at the Chrism Mass at Christ the King Church in Little Rock Aug. 10, with Father Juan Guido and seminarian Alex Smith assisting.

Priests from across the state were distanced throughout the church and wearing masks. The Chrism Mass, normally held at the beginning of Holy Week, was combined with the Jubilarian Mass, celebrating priestly jubilees and normally celebrated in early summer. Both were delayed because of the COVID-19 pandemic and livestreamed to the public.

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