Remain steadfast in your faith and follow Jesus closely

Sep 26, 2020

By Sabrina Smith
The Church of the Visitation is the second parish after the Church of the Assumption in the diocese to confer the Sacrament of Confirmation this year.

Seventy-five students received their sacrament from Archbishop Julian Leow on Aug 30 at 2.00pm. Concelebrating were Parish Priest Fr Xavier Andrew and Assistant Parish Priest Fr Kenneth Gopal, OCD.

The Eucharistic celebration was attended only by one sponsor/godparent and the parents of each student. The parish’s media team livestreamed the Mass so that family and friends who were not allowed to attend could also witness this special celebration.

At the beginning, Archbishop Julian Leow addressed the parishioners to pray and offer the candidates to the Lord that they might be faithful disciples, and that they might be convinced of following Jesus even more closely from today. 

Archbishop Leow added in his homily: “This does not mean that you end your classes in receiving the Faith. The world outside is more challenging. As an adult, ‘a change of behaviour can only happen with a change of mindset’ said Archbishop Leow. “Confirmands, as you continue your journey of life and faith, may you remain steadfast in your faith and follow Jesus  closely”.

Parish Priest Fr Xavier Andrew addressed the parishioners, saying “We praise God for everything that He has given us. Today, I want to thank the catechists, especially the ones who taught the candidates in this short period of time, for their hard work. Together with Fr Kenneth Gopal and myself, we would like to thank the ones who have  participated in today’s celebration. More than that, I want to thank the parents and the godparents who have taken responsibility for your child. Lastly, this is not the end but the beginning of adulthood.”

At the end of the celebration, Archbishop Leow addressed the confirmands once again as it was the eve of Merdeka. He said as we celebrate 63 years of independence. 

“I hope you will be a faithful Malaysians, and will be loyal to our king and country, but most of all, to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ.”

With that, Archbishop Leow requested the national anthem, NegaraKu, be sung followed by the final hymn. It was indeed a beautiful and spirit filled Eucharistic celebration.