A minute of silent prayer was held during the Chrism Mass in All Saints, Elland on Palm Sunday to remember those killed or injured in recent terrorist attacks across the world.
The Bishop of Wakefield, Bishop Tony, was joined by over thirty five members of the Clergy as he celebrated the Annual Chrism Mass with renewal of Priest & Deacon Vows for members of The Society in the Diocese of Leeds.
The Eucharist which was celebrated at a full All Saints Church, ELLAND, began with a moment of silent prayer for all those killed or injured in recent terrorist activity in the Coptic Church in Alexandria and Tanta, Egypt, as well as those caught up in the terrorist activities in Stockholm, Sweden, and last month's attack in Westminster, London.
Bishop Tony said: “The celebration of the Chrism Mass is a very special part of the Holy Week ceremonies. It was so good to see deacons, priests, religious and lay people from the parishes gathering together for the renewal of ordination vows and the blessing of the Holy Oils. Palm Sunday was not a good day for our Coptic brothers and sisters in Egypt following the news of attacks in two churches where they were celebrating their Palm Sunday services and we began our Mass with a minute’s silence. As members of The Society of S Wilfrid and S Hilda in the Diocese of Leeds we renewed our commitment to work together as a team to continue to preach and live the catholic faith and support one another.”
Canon David Burrows, the Rector of Elland, said “This is an important event when the clergy of The Society reaffirm their ordination vows and the Holy Oils, of Chrism, of Baptism and for the Sick, are consecrated, ready for use in the coming year. It's a great privilege to host this Mass here in Elland Parish Church, and an occasion to worship together with our Bishop, and our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the Diocese”.
The event also included a Children’s Liturgy with some of the young people representing Children from Society Parishes from across the diocese.