Confirmands urged to build a relationship with the Lord

Aug 09, 2024

By Geraldine Nathan
Fortyfour youth and young adults were confirmed at the Church of St Joseph on July 21. The diverse group included Form 5 students from the Church of St Joseph and the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Puchong, young adults from the Zomi Community (Myanmar), and RCIA candidates.

The multilingual celebration (English, Tamil, Bahasa Melaysia, and Myanmarese), was presided over by Archbishop Julian Leow with Fr Frederick Joseph, and Msgr James Gnanapiragasam concelebrating.

In his homily, Archbishop Julian emphasised the importance of knowing Jesus, urging everyone to build a relationship with the Lord, as our lives are incomplete without Him. He also encouraged parents to support their children in their faith formation and strengths.

At the end of the Mass, Form 5 student Jonathan Edward, speaking on behalf of the confirmands, expressed heartfelt thanks to Archbishop Julian for celebrating and administering the sacrament. He also thanked Fr Frederick and Msgr James for guiding them in their devotion to serving God and others, especially as the first batch to be guided under the new syllabus, “Identity-Identify” introduced by Msgr James this year. This syllabus offered meaningful insights to the youngsters, helping them find their belonging and cope with challenges like depression, anxiety, and rejection, while also strengthening their faith.

Jonathan extended gratitude to their catechists for preparing them for this significant commitment and to everyone whose efforts made the Confirmation retreat and celebration memorable. In addition to their weekly enrichment classes, the confirmands had several enriching experiences, including a two-day Theology of the Body session in March, led by Sister Retta Savariannan, FDCC, and her team from the Archdiocese Catechetical Ministry. This session offered valuable insights into the expectations and experiences of life as young adults.

In May, the confirmands participated in an outreach programme at Bernice Home in Sentul, where they spent the day interacting with seniors, singing songs, and enjoying fellowship. They also attended a memorable three-day retreat at Champagnat Youth Centre in Port Dickson in June which included participants from the Church of St Anthony and the Church of the Risen Christ. The confirmands made new friends, engaged in sessions and activities, and deepened their faith and friendships.

The Confirmation Mass concluded with a thanksgiving reception in the church hall, attended by over 250 guests, including the archbishop, clergy, catechists, facilitators, families, and friends