Be instruments of unity and peace

A total of 106 confirmands from the four-language groups — 90 students and 16 adults — received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Confirmation Mass at the Church of The Visitation, July 9.

Aug 18, 2017

SEREMBAN: A total of 106 confirmands from the four-language groups — 90 students and 16 adults — received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Confirmation Mass at the Church of The Visitation, July 9.

The 5.00pm Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Julian Leow and concelebrated with parish priests, Frs George Harrison and Andrew Kooi.

The multi-lingual Mass was animated by youths and the Liturgy team.

Archbishop Leow in his homily, delivered in English, BM and Mandarin, asked the congregation and, especially the confirmands, some thought provoking questions. “Do you know the King that you follow? Why are you Catholics today? Do you believe in the person of Jesus who hung on the Cross? Why are you following Him? What is your purpose for being here on earth? How are you to be Church in Malaysia?” He went on to say that failing to know the answers would result in not knowing what they are supposed to do as Catholics.

In reference to the readings, Archbishop Julian said that Jesus’ way is the Way of the Cross and they are called to serve and to be peace makers. Recalling Palm Sunday, he said, Jesus rode on a donkey, to signify humility and a King who brings peace to the world. “Our role is to bring peace in relationships with one another, in the communities and in the country,” he said.

Being a minority in this country of 30 million people (the Catholic population is about 1 million people), he stressed the need to bear witness as Church in this country. Turning to the confirmands, he said the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation) and, thus, they are no longer children but adult Catholics.

Thoroughout the homily, His Grace repeatedly mentioned the word ‘peace’ which is in contrast with the present situation in the world today: weighed down with wars, turmoil, hatred, misunderstandings, jealousy and unspiritual lives. This situation, he said, is not the Way of Jesus and that of the Holy Spirit. He urged all to be instruments of unity and peace and to be part of the solution rather than the problem. In conclusion, he asked all to pray for the grace and courage to speak up and stand up for the voiceless and to be courageous witnesses of Jesus. He asked all present to pray for the confirmands, that they remain steadfast in their faith and share it with others and bear witness to Christ in whatever they say and do.

At the end of Mass, Fr George thanked His Grace for presiding over the Mass and for his inspiring words to the new confirmands

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