The Pope presided over the Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, inaugurating the Easter Triduum of Easter ritesasking in his homily to the priests of do not divide

He said this is encouraged by “internal parties and cordadas” in the Church, a demonstration that clashes grow between the reformist groups who support Francisco’s ideas and the conservative and traditionalist sectors who contest him.

The Mass was celebrated by Cardinal Angelo de Donatis and Pope Bergoglio presided over the rites sitting on one side of the altar due to problems with walking due to aches and pains in his right knee.

Francisco looked in great shape after being hospitalized between last Wednesday and Saturday at the Gemelli polyclinic due to a bronchitis.

feet washing in prison​

The Argentine pontiff has planned to go to the Casal del Marmo juvenile prison on Thursday afternoon where he will wash the feet of twelve young prisoners.

Ten years ago, Francis performed the same ceremony during his first Holy Week celebration at the same location. He caused a sensation because among the twelve young people there were two women and some foreigners.

Thursday evening will have the place Mass “in Coena Domini” dedicated to renewing by priests their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. Many priests from the diocese of Rome and others from all over Italy participate.

During the ceremony they he will bless the oils of the catechumens, that of the sick and that of the chrism they are used during the year for baptisms, confirmations and the anointing of the sick.

message to the clergy

In the homily of the Chrism Mass, the Pope advised priests to create harmony. “When we become, even if lightly, tools of division, we play the game of the enemy, who does not come to light and loves the insinuations that the parties and consortia promote, nourishes nostalgia for the past, distrust, pessimism and fear”.

“Let us be careful, please, not to soil the anointing of the Spirit and the command of Mother Church with disunity, polarization, lack of charity and lack of communion.”

He urged priests to “always forgive to all the faithful who ask for it”.

The Pope recalled that “the Spirit prefers the community form: availability towards one’s needs, obedience towards one’s tastes, humility towards one’s claims”.

The Pope will testify on Friday the nocturnal Via Crucis at the Colosseum, on Holy Saturday he will preside over the Easter Vigil and on Sunday, in St. Peter’s Square, will celebrate the Resurrection Mass and will impart the traditional Urbe et Orbi, to the city of Rome and to the world, from the central balcony of the facade of St. Peter’s Basilica.

ap​