Confirmands urged to be missionaries

Dec 13, 2024

Bernard Anthony
Twenty-one young Catholics received the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Church of St Andrew during the parish feast day celebration, November 30.

The bishop of Malacca Johore, Rt Rev Bernard Paul, welcomed the candidates and urged them to always listen to the Lord. He encouraged them to answer His call, be brave, and follow Jesus wherever He leads. “Say yes to Jesus, spend time with God, and share your encounters with others. Be witnesses of Christ to everyone you meet along your journey,” the bishop said. He emphasized that by drawing closer to Jesus, they would experience God’s presence and learn to imitate Him.

Bishop Bernard also acknowledged the different types of Catholics within the Church, with some still struggling in faith. He urged everyone to deepen their relationship with the Lord and to share Jesus with others, a message particularly addressed to the confirmands and the assembly at large.

The bishop was the main celebrant and preacher for the feast day, with Fr Jason Wong and Fr Aaron Alammalay con-celebrating. The church was filled with the families and friends of the confirmands, their godparents, and parishioners.

After the homily, Fr Jason, the parish priest, presented the 21 candidates to the bishop, affirming that they had been well-prepared for the sacrament. Bishop Bernard acknowledged their readiness to receive the Holy Spirit and encouraged them to invite the Spirit into their lives: “Please come, I need You,” he said, urging them to always listen for the voice of Jesus.

The Rite of Confirmation began as Bishop Bernard prayed that the light of Christ would fill the confirmands. He invited the godparents and the assembly to pray silently for them before proceeding with the laying on of hands and anointing with the oil of Chrism.

Following the Mass, Bishop Bernard and the priests presented the Confirmation certificates, with one confirmand representing the group. The certificates were later distributed to each confirmand.

Fr Jason and Fr Aaron also congratulated the confirmands, posing for a group photo with them and the bishop at the grotto area. The confirmands expressed great joy at receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, which strengthened their faith and commitment to their baptismal promises. With the seal and gifts of the Holy Spirit, they pledged to remain faithful to Christ, serve others, and continue to deepen their relationship with God.