Pope Francis led a Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday, overseeing over 1,880 priests, bishops, and cardinals renewing their ordination promises. 

The pope thanked the priests for their dedication to their ministry and recognized their efforts, which often go unnoticed but can have positive effects for many, Catholic News Agency reported. 

“Without the Lord’s Spirit, there can be no Christian life,” the pontiff said in a tweet. “Without his anointing, there can be no holiness. It is fitting that today, on the birthday of the priesthood, we acknowledge that He is at the origin of the ministry, the life and vitality of every Pastor.” 

As part of Holy Thursday’s ceremony, the Catholic Church marks the founding of the Eucharist and sacrament of the priesthood during the Last Supper. Pope Francis also celebrated a Mass of the Lord's Supper in the evening at a youth detention center in Rome, Catholic News Agency added in its report.

During Thursday morning's Chrism Mass, the pope emphasized the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in the life and ministry of priests as he celebrated the "birthday of the priesthood,” the report said.

The readings for the Mass focused on Jesus when he said that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him. The pope said that without the Holy Spirit, "there can be no Christian life; without His anointing, there can be no holiness,” the Vatican News noted.

A Chrism Mass is one of the year's most solemn and important liturgies. During the service, holy oils used for various sacraments are blessed or consecrated as needed, Wikipedia explains. The three oils are the Chrism oil, used during baptisms and confirmations; the oil of catechumens, which was once called the oil of exorcism and which is also used during baptisms; and the oil of the sick, used during the anointing of the sick.

Catholic News Agency said 47 cardinals, 42 bishops, and 1,800 priests in Rome attended the Chrism Mass.