Holy spirit will strengthen the faith of confirmands

Jun 07, 2024

BENTONG, Pahang: It was a privilege for three young candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation during the 8.00am Mass on Pentecost Sunday, at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Bentong, May 19.

Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, Most Rev Julian Leow, administered the sacrament, assisted by parish priest, Fr Clement Lim. The celebration was also witnessed by the parents and friends of the confirmands.

The prelate said, “Today we are reminded that the Holy Spirit is the one that strengthens us. The Holy Spirit came to us after Jesus ascended into heaven. The Holy Spirit is our Helper and Advocate, abiding presence of God in the world”.

Archbishop Julian added that the Holy Spirit will be with us till the end of time; to strengthen our faith and make known everything Jesus has taught us. Today, three candidates will receive the Holy Spirit; the same Holy Spirit that came of Jesus some 2,000 years ago.

He went on to ask the assembly, “What is our identity as a Catholic, as a human being? Are we here just thinking of all the pleasures of life? Is this all there is to life? Are we happy just addressing our bodily needs? All these will not bring us happiness or joy. What purpose are we created for by God? It is to love God, to know Him and to serve Him and be happy with God in this world and in the next”. The prelate added something more — that we are created both body and soul. St Augustine said our hearts are restless until we rest in God.

“The Holy Spirit came down at Pentecost. God the Father sent Jesus to redeem us and now He sent the Holy Spirit to us. Let us invite the Holy Spirit to be with us and that we be faithful to God all our lives”.

The archbishop said that as the candidates receive the Holy Spirit sacramentally in Confirmation; the sign of the Cross on their foreheads is a sign we belong to God.

To the confirmands, he said love God and be faithful followers of Jesus. He preached the homily in English and Bahasa Malaysia. Fr Clement preached briefly in Mandarin.

After Mass, Fr Clement thanked Archbishop Julian for administering the sacrament on this auspicious day and congratulated the confirmands. He invited all for fellowship, held in the parish grounds. He also commended all those involved in organising the celebration.

The archbishop thanked the catechists for preparing the candidates for the sacrament and parents of the confirmands and all parishioners, part of the community of this semi-rural parish, for caring for each other. Archbishop Julian also thanked Fr Clement and congratulated the confirmands. He also hoped that in the future, all would be able to speak multiple languages. “Be open to the Spirit and receive the gifts of Holy Spirit”.