Stained glass window of Jesus on the Cross
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Holy Week

The final week of preparation before Easter Sunday is called Holy Week. These days recount Christ’s final days on earth. Traditionally on the Tuesday​ of Holy Week, the priests of the Archdiocese of Toronto gather for the Mass of Chrism held at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica.

​What is Palm Sunday?
Also called Passion Sunday, it is the Sunday before Easter. Palms are distributed as a reminder of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem.​
What is the Mass of Chrism?
The Mass of Chrism is a special Mass, held in Toronto at St. Michael’s Cathedral for the priests of the Archdiocese of Toronto, on the Tuesday of Holy Week. At the Chrism Mass the holy oils used in the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Orders and Sacrament of the Sick are blessed and supplied to the local parishes for use.
What is the oil of Chrism made from?
Traditionally, the oil consists of a mixture of olive oil and balsam, however, if necessary, holy oils may be from any plant and not only from olives.