When the Diocese of Winona-Rochester celebrated its annual Chrism Mass to consecrate its sacred oils, priests also renewed their vows, prompting the diocese to ask for prayers for them.

“Today at the Chrism Mass the priests of our Diocese will make their annual renewal of priestly promises where they renew their fidelity to the Bishop and to Jesus Christ,” the diocese posted online. “Let us take a moment today to pray in particular for the priests of our diocese of Winona-Rochester and for all priests throughout the world.” 

A copy of Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer for Priests then followed.

The Chrism Mass is traditionally celebrated during Holy Week, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) said. During this Mass, the priest consecrates three oils: the Oil of the Sick, the Oil of the Catechumens, and the Chrism. 

Each oil has a special purpose in the Church, according to Simply Catholic.

The Oil of the Sick is used in the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. During this sacrament, a priest lays hands on a sick or elderly person, prays for him, and anoints him with oil on his head and hands. The Oil of the Catechumens is used to anoint both children and adults before their baptism. Chrism oil is used to consecrate someone to God, such as during the Sacrament of Confirmation. Every year, bishops across the country celebrate a Chrism Mass, at which they consecrate enough of each of the three oils for every church in their diocese to use for the year. 

Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday and goes through Easter. During Holy Week, Catholics commemorate Judas' betrayal of Jesus, the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus' Passion and crucifixion, his burial, and his Resurrection, Britannica says.