Make a commitment and carry on His mission

Nov 06, 2015

IPOH (Herald Malaysia): Confirmands at St Michael’s Church were told to keep praying for Pope Francis, who has to speak up on issues in the Catholic Church, following the conclusion of the Synod on Family Life.

They also need to pray daily to keep moving forward in spiritual maturity, said Bishop Sebastian Francis during his homily at the Confirmation Mass.

Thirty-seven teenagers from the English and Chinese-speaking groups received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Michael’s Church on Oct 25.

The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Sebastian, concelebrated by SMC parish priest, Fr Stephen Liew and priest-in-residence, Fr Robin Andrews.

“As young adults and disciples of Christ, you have to make a commitment to Jesus when receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation. That is, to carry on the work Jesus started, and his mission, which is under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit guides us to all truth, love, and freedom to follow Jesus.”

“Pray for Pope Francis who has to say what the Holy Spirit is saying to our family in the Catholic Church,” he said.

Bishop Sebastian said that despite all the uncertain circumstances now bewailing our country, the truth of God will prevail.

“We want to know the truth behind the haze, whether it is caused by actions of multinationals clearing the land or the farmers, and the truth behind the 1MDB scandal.

“We have to remember to pray for these things and also for those suffering from illnesses related to the haze,” he said.

Being prayerful would help them become fearlessly open to the working of the Holy Spirit in them, and to participate more fully in the coming jubilee Year of Mercy, which starts on Dec 8, coinciding with the feast of the Immaculate Conception.

Pope Francis has declared it a year for the whole Church to be merciful, to participate and be involved in a very personal way in the events which highlight the Year of Mercy.

“Pray for guidance and strength, remembering that Jesus is revealed as a God of merciful love,” Bishop Sebastian added.

The Sacred Heart Church in Kampar, the Church of the Divine Mercy in Penang and the Shrine of St Anne, in Bukit Mertajam have been named as pilgrim churches which will have a special door of mercy erected, so the faithful can enter and pray.

“Entering the door of mercy requires humility and repentance. Only then can one get great healing and the special graces needed to face the challenges and difficulties ahead of us.

“We enter the door of mercy to be forgiven, healed and delivered, and to complete the mission to be a messenger of Christ,” he said.