On Holy Thursday, Pope Francis led a Chrism Mass where more than 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewed their ordination promises. 

Catholic News Agency reported that the pope expressed gratitude to the priests for their dedication to their ministry. He recognized their efforts, which he said are often done “with great effort and little recognition.”

“Without the Lord’s Spirit, there can be no Christian life,” the pope tweeted. “Without his anointing, there can be no holiness. It is fitting that today, on the birthday of the priesthood, we acknowledge that He is at the origin of the ministry, the life and vitality of every Pastor.” 

Every Holy Thursday, the Catholic Church marks the Holy Eucharist’s founding and the sacrament of the priesthood during the Last Supper. Pope Francis was also to lead Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening at a youth detention center in Rome, Catholic News Agency added in its report.

During the morning Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, the Pope emphasized the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in the life and ministry of priests as he celebrated the "birthday of the priesthood,” the report said. The readings for the morning Mass focused on Jesus, saying that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. The pontiff noted that without the Holy Spirit, "there can be no Christian life; without His anointing, there can be no holiness,” the Vatican News said. 

A Chrism Mass is one of the most solemn and essential liturgies. Holy oils used for various sacraments are blessed as needed, Wikipedia explains. The three oils are the Oil of Catechumens, used during baptisms; the Oil of the Sick, used when anointing the sick; and Chrism oil, utilized during sacraments for baptisms, confirmations, and holy orders.

Catholic News Agency reported 47 cardinals, 42 bishops, and 1,800 priests residing in Rome were in attendance at the Mass.