Anointed for the People: Archbishop Calls Priests to Renew ‘Pro Populo’ Mission in Chrism Mass

By Fr. Francis Tordilla

A light yet meaningful encounter with Pope Francis opened the Archbishop of Caceres’ homily during the Chrism Mass on April 1, 2026, at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral—setting the tone for a deeper reflection on mission, anointing, and service.

Recalling his Ad Limina visit in 2019, Archbishop Rex Andrew Alarcon shared how Pope Francis, upon greeting him, remarked: “Che odore!”—seemingly noticing a scent. Initially unsure whether it was the perfume he was wearing, the Archbishop later realized the Pope was referring to the “odor of the sacred oil”—a sign of his priestly and episcopal anointing.

That simple moment, he said, revealed a profound truth: the identity of a priest is marked by the oil—not just externally, but in mission.

Anchored in this year’s Diamond Jubilee theme, “Gabos Kaayon, Gabos May Gibuhon” (Everyone is included, everyone has a role to play), the Archbishop emphasized that this anointing is not only for clergy, but for all the faithful. “The oil marks us for Christ—not only to belong, but to be sent,” he said.

The Archbishop explained that the Holy Oils blessed during the Chrism Mass—the Oil of the Sick, Oil of Catechumens, and Sacred Chrism—are signs of God’s grace that consecrate, heal, strengthen, and send His people into mission. At the heart of his message was a renewed call to priests to live their vocation as “pro populo” — for the people.

“The priest is not for himself. He is for the people,” he stressed, describing  priestly life as a mission of gathering, accompanying, and shepherding—rooted in obedience, sacrifice, and love for the community.

Archbishop Alarcon likewise addressed the seminarians, urging them to prepare not for privilege, but for service. He asked them to form themselves as future pastors who will walk with God’s people.

He also widened the call beyond the clergy. In line with the Jubilee theme, he insisted that participation is essential to the life of the Church. “In the Church, no one is merely a spectator. Gabos kaayon, gabos may gibuhon,” he said.

He reminded the faithful that the Church’s liturgy and sacraments are never private acts, but celebrations for the whole community and for the salvation of all. “There is no private Mass,” he noted, underscoring the missionary nature of every Eucharistic celebration.

Concluding his homily, the Archbishop called on everyone—priests, seminarians, and lay faithful alike—to live out their anointing through concrete service, especially to the poor and those in need.

“As one Church, let us walk together—anointed and sent—because in God’s plan, everyone belongs, and everyone has a mission.”

The Chrism Mass, a central liturgy of Holy Week, includes the blessing of the Holy Oils and the renewal of priestly promises, highlighting the unity of priests with their bishop and their shared mission with the People of God.