Pope Francis, started four packed days of Easter events on Thursday morning (April 2) celebrating the "Mass of the Chrism."

 

The solemn service in the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica is one of two solemn events on Holy Thursday, the day that Christians commemorate the founding of the priesthood by Jesus.

 

At the mass, attended by some 10,000 people, the pope and priests renewed the vows they took on the day of their ordination and the pontiff blessed oils to be used in administering sacraments during the year.

 

"The tiredness of priests! Do you know how often I think about this weariness which all of you experience? I think about it and I pray about it, often, especially when I am tired myself. I pray for you as you labor amid the people of God entrusted to your care, many of you in lonely and dangerous places" the pope said as he delivered his homily.

 

Later in the day the Pope will travel to Rome's Rebibia prison where he will wash the feet of twelve inmates as a sign of his desire for the Church to be closer to the suffering and the needy.

 

Holy Thursday commemorates the day on which Catholics believe Jesus founded the priesthood at the Last Supper with his apostles, before he was betrayed and arrested on the eve of his crucifixion.

 

On Good Friday and Holy Saturday Francis presides at three services leading up to Easter Sunday, when he delivers his "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and the world) blessing and message. — Reuters