LOCATION
Houston, Texas
MEMBER
YEAR
2024
CLIENT
Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.
PARTNERS
The initial conversation about this project was in 2018. Agents of Sacred Heart Co-Cathedral were seeking a means of improving the aesthetic presentation of the large (15 gallon) oil vessels used for Chrism Mass. John Gascho and George R. Hoelzeman collaborated on the design of the vessels, which were to be turned wood into which a stainless steel tank would be inserted. The wood vessels would have wheels, thus allowing the vessels to be easily moved during and after the Liturgy. Progress was delayed due to Covid and financial issues until 2023. Completed for Chrism Mass in 2024, the vessels are 32" in diameter and 27" tall. An upper lid separates from the body of the vessel to allow access to the steel tanks for cleaning. The lid has a 12" diameter opening allowing access to the oils for the various rites associated with the Chrism Mass. A spigot was installed on the lower edge to allow distribution of the Holy Oils into containers for the parishes of the archdiocese. Lettering for the Latin abbreviations for the various oils is a carved texture painted silver with the main vessel painted gold.



PHOTOGRAPHY
George R. Hoelzeman
