Devon clergy gather at Exeter Cathedral for final Maundy Thursday service of retiring dean

Clergy from across Devon gathered at Exeter Cathedral this Maundy Thursday for the annual Chrism Eucharist, renewing their ordination vows and collecting holy oils for use in their parishes over Easter.

The service, led by the Bishop of Exeter with music from the cathedral choir, saw clergy receive oils used for baptism, anointing the sick, and other blessings. The name Chrism comes from the Greek word for "anointed", the same root as the title Christ, and during the service, the bishop blessed the oils in remembrance of Jesus's own anointing before his crucifixion.

This year's gathering carried extra significance as it marked the final Maundy Thursday service for the Dean of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Reverend Jonathan Greener, who retires in July.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, described the mood of the occasion as one of mixed emotions, reflecting the wider tone of Holy Week.

"The Chrism service is a joyful one when we bless the oils and renew our promises to follow Jesus," he said. "It's a joyful moment and a great opportunity for celebration together, but it's in the middle of Holy Week, and as we draw closer to the events of Good Friday and Jesus' death, the mood becomes very sombre indeed.

"This whole weekend is about a kind of sorrowful joy and a joyful sorrow."

After the service, clergy queued to collect their oils in small bottles before enjoying a hot pasty and returning to parishes across Devon to lead Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday services.