I went to the Chrism Mass at the Cathedral on Holy Thursday. A Chrism Mass is where the bishop blesses the oils that are used in baptisms, confirmations, and anointing of the sick. The cathedral was absolutely packed with students and pastors from all over the state.
I knew Archbishop Carlson was going to do the service. I didn't realize that he was going to be accompanied by a pontifical Swiss guard from Vatican City. The guard was dressed in a gray costume complete with plumed hat - kind of subdued compared to the brightly-colored striped costumes they usually wear at the Vatican, but still breath-taking.
