2nd April 2026

Lancashire vicar's vlog is unique insight into ancient service

A new POV (point‑of‑view) video from a Lancashire vicar, now available on The Church of England in Lancashire's social channels from today, gives unique perspective on a ceremony steeped in history that takes place in Dioceses across the country every Maundy Thursday.

The video below is also available via Facebook/BlackburnDiocese 

The vlog goes behind the scenes of the Chrism Eucharist Service at Blackburn Cathedral and has been filmed by Rev Tom Woolford, Vicar of New Longton.

Alongside parish ministry, Rev Tom is also a Tutor in Theology at Emmanuel Theological College, bringing depth, clarity and real theological insight to his commentary throughout the vlog, which was filmed during last year’s Chrism Eucharist. The result is an accessible, engaging and unique record of the event.

The Chrism Eucharist on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) is always a key moment of preparation for all clergy as they lead their congregations through Holy Week; culminating in the joy of Easter Day and the celebration of the resurrection.

Each year there also is another Chrism Eucharist, also referenced by Rev Tom in the vlog, which is held on Palm Sunday for County Priests who are members of The Society.

Tom’s vlog follows before, during and after the service as the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, invites clergy to renew their Ordination promises and blesses the three oils used by many clergy in their ministry …  

• Oil of the sick: used to anoint the sick and dying
• Oil of initiation/catechumens: used for the signing of the cross at baptism
• Oil of chrism: used to set people or things apart for a special place in the life of the church

The concept the vlog originated with Kaitlyn Rose, Digital Communications Officer for the Diocese, who recognised an opportunity to showcase the Chrism Eucharist in a fresh and compelling way by planning ahead to capture the right content.

Opening at his home, moving to his parish church and then travelling with him as he arrives at the Cathedral, the vlog follows Rev Tom through the day. Viewers see him in the Cathedral crypt alongside fellow clergy; preparing for the service and having lively and informal chats with colleagues about what Chrism means to them.

From lining up for the procession, to walking into the nave, to receiving the newly blessed oils he will use in ministry over the coming year, the vlog captures the annual service from a viewpoint rarely seen by the public. It offers a vivid, personal and insightful window into an important annual moment – one echoed in every Diocese of The Church of England.

Commenting on the opportunity to film the vlog, Rev Tom said: “Chrism Eucharist is a highlight of my year - a moment of renewal, recommitment and joy. Filming this vlog gave me the chance to share that experience from the inside.

“I hope it helps people see not just what happens during the service, but why it matters so much to us as clergy and how it strengthens our ministry for the year ahead.”

Captions for the above photos, top to bottom:

1. Rev Tom chats to camera at the start of his vlog on the Chrism Eucharist
2. Rev Tom chats to Rev Chris Krawiec from Morecambe Parish church during the vlog
3. The clergy procession heads towards the Cathedral in a scene from Rev Tom’s Chrism vlog
4. Rev Tom chats in the vlog with Rev Barbara Wilson from St John’s Leyland