The Unity Mass and blessing of the new altar brought together parishioners, some of the people who worked directly on the renovation projects and many people who made a gift to support the campaign. Archbishop Bernard Hebda joined us for the special event on December 8. The archbishop donned an apron and rolled up his sleeves to perform the ritual. He poured the chrism — holy oil — on the altar and massaged it into the wood. Incense was used to further sanctify it. Afterward, Sisters Mary Frances and Karen brought forward the altar cloth, and mass continued. The joyous mass concluded with the blessing of the children by the archbishop and acknowledgement of Sister Mary Virginia’s 90th birthday. Archbishop Hebda invited all to take time to revel in the scent of the chrism and incense on the altar, many in attendance did just that.
