Catholics must never lose sight of the presence of the Risen Christ in the Eucharist, the Bishop of Shrewsbury has said.

Preaching at a Mass of the Sacred Chrism in Shrewsbury Cathedral on Wednesday, the Rt Rev. Mark Davies encouraged the faithful to make the Blessed Sacrament always the focus of their worship and devotion.

The Bishop told the congregation that they were gathering “in anticipation of Easter when here and in churches across the diocese, the country and indeed the Western world new converts, in ever increasing number and youthfulness, are being received into the life of the Church.”

“In entering the life of the Church we must all have eyes only for Him,” continued Bishop Davies. “Here the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated in the offering of the Mass. Here the risen Christ comes to us in His Body and Blood under the lowly forms of bread and wine.”

He added: “We are to find in the Eucharist the Church’s entire spiritual wealth, Christ himself, so we will never have far to go to find him.”

During the Mass of Sacred Chrism, Bishop Davies blessed the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumen and consecrated the Oil of Chrism. These will be used in the administration of the Sacraments. Dozens of priests attending the Mass were also invited to renew their priestly promises.

(Photo by Simon Caldwell, Diocese of Shrewsbury)