Be merciful just as your Father is merciful

Aug 09, 2019

By Paul Peter Fernandez
Eighty-two confirmands from the four language groups – 66 of them Form 5 students and 16 adults from the RCIA and a special class conducted by Parish Priest Fr George Harrison, received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Mass held on July 13 at the Church of the Visitation.

The 6.00 pm Mass was celebrated by Most Rev Julian Leow, Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur and concelebrated with Fr George and Fr Xavier Andrew. The confirmands, in their best attire, assembled at the Visitation community hall as early as 5.00pm. They then gathered for a group photo with the celebrants. Family members, relatives and friends from far and near packed the church.

The multi-lingual Mass was animated by the Form 4 students and the Liturgy team. The first and second readings were in Tamil and Mandarin respectively. The Gospel reading from St Luke chapter 10 verses 25- 37 on the parable of The Good Samaritan was read by Fr Xavier. Reflecting on the gospel text, Archbishop Julian in his homily in English and Bahasa, asked the confirmands “who are your neighbours?” He went on to say that as adult Catholics, they are responsible for the faith they profess and should never abandon or lose it. He urged them to remain faithful. Like in the parable, they need to show mercy towards anyone, even if they do not know the person in need.

We are reminded in Luke’s Gospel, chapter 6 verse 36, “to be merciful, just as your Father is merciful”. Guided by the catechists, the confirmands and their sponsors then approached the Archbishop, who was assisted by both the parish priests, for anointing. At the end of the Mass, Fr George thanked His Grace for presiding over the mass, all the catechists who had guided the confirmands and most importantly, their parents who remain their first catechists. Outside the church, parishioners took the opportunity to greet and take photos with His Grace. The Confirmation Mass marked the end of the journey in the religious education for the Form 5 students since they first enrolled 11 years ago in 2009, hence completing the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion and Confirmation).

Prior to their Confirmation, the candidates were engaged in community services like visiting the hospital, SSVP ration packing and distribution, bringing cheer to students at the IJ Learning centre located in Kampung Pasir and PD beach cleaning. Some of the students also helped out in the Street feeding programme. The students also attended a compulsory 3D2N stay-in Confirmation camp where the Dynamic Catholic programme (https://dynamiccatholic.com) was used. We pray that the sacramental grace of Confirmation they have received will help them to live out their faith loyally and profess it courageously.