In a moving ceremony at Blackburn Cathedral, clergy from across the County participated in the annual ‘Chrism Eucharist’.

Led by Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, it was a chance for members of the clergy in our Diocese to reaffirm their original ordination promises in front of each other and supporters from their parishes

The service on Maundy Thursday is an important moment in the life of the Diocese; of the clergy themselves and the parishioners who support them.

• Bishop Philip also features in a new video explainer available here (or click the YouTube embed above) and across our social channels about the significance of the service.

Also in attendance today were the Anglican Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev. Dr Jill Duff; the Bishop of Burnley, Rt Rev. Joe Kennedy; the Archdeacon of Lancaster, the Venerable David Picken and the Dean of Blackburn, the Very Revd Peter Howell-Jones.

Bishop Joe was attending his first Chrism since being appointed as Bishop of Burnley last year. A livestream recording of the service is available here on Blackburn Cathedral’s YouTube channel.

The Chrism Eucharist took place on Maundy Thursday and forms part of the preparation for clergy to lead congregations through the key events of Holy Week: Good Friday, marking the crucifixion and death of Jesus and Easter Day when Jesus’ resurrection is celebrated.

There was a further Chrism Eucharist held in the Diocese last Sunday (Palm Sunday) for members of The Society from across the County, pictured left. 

That service was also led by Bishop Philip and it took place at St Christopher’s, Hawes Side in Blackpool.

At both services, as well as inviting the clergy to renew their Ordination promises in the usual way, Bishop Philip also blessed the three oils that are used by many clergy in their ministry.

They are …

• The oil of Healing, which brings comfort to the sick.
• The oil of Baptism, which is used to make the sign of the cross on the heads of those to be baptised.
• The oil of Chrism, mixed with balsam, which is a sign of being set apart for service.

In the new explainer video, Bishop Philip says: “The Chrism Eucharist is one of the highlights of my year and always has been. It's a service of real joy, but also of incredible power.

“And during it, two things happen. First of all, all the priests and the deacons renew the promises of their ordination.

"The promises they made when they became priests and deacons, they make afresh; committing their lives to serve their communities. The second thing that happens is they’re equipped with the oils for their ministry.

“It's a beautiful service, a real sign of the church's call to serve the whole of Lancashire.”

Ronnie Semley, April 2025