Go out into the world to warm hearts that have been cold

Jun 04, 2015

By Bernard Anthony
Forty Catholics, comprising 36 from the Sunday school and four from RCIA, were administered the Sacrament of Confirmation at the Cathedral of St John on May 23.

Archbishop Julian Leow, who celebrated the special Sunset Mass said, “Our confirmands have been preparing for years to be confirmed in the faith. What does this mean to you? What does this Sacrament of Confirmation mean to you?” the prelate asked them.

“Today the Sacrament of Confirmation completes the initiation sacraments of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation. You have become fully adult Catholics. As adults, you must know how to defend the faith and know why you are still a Catholic. You must be convinced of your faith before you can convince others.

As it was also the Solemnity of Pentecost, the prelate quoted from the Gospel (John 20:19-23) about the disciples of Jesus in the Upper Room, fearful behind closed doors, before the descending of the Holy Spirit. “Today, we are fearful of exams, taxes, of whether our children will continue to practise our faith or whether we will have a job in three months’ time. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit continues to empower us, giving us the seven gifts of the Spirit.”

The Archbishop said, “You are to fan into a flame the gifts that are already there, and strengthen this faith of yours and go out into the world to warm hearts that have grown cold. After this Confirmation, we hope you will be able to use the gifts of the Spirit to heal our broken family and society. “

There are many gifts but the same Spirit, many services to be done but always to the same Lord. Many races, ethnic groups, languages but always worship to the One God.

“Are you able to share your faith with those who have left the faith, to those seeking the Truth and to others to bring peace to this broken world?”

Archbishop Leow advised the confirmands to listen to the Holy Spirit, seek the spirit of unity in our family and in our nation. We are all many parts but one body in Christ.

After Mass, the prelate congratulated the confirmands. He also told the assembly to continue guiding, supporting and praying for the confirmands, that they may be credible witnesses of the faith.

A group photo with the prelate and confirmands took place at the main entrance of the Cathedral, before they all adjourned for a light refreshment at the New Parish Hall, where their catechists gave out the Certificates.