Seven receive Confirmation during St James’ centennial Mass

Nov 01, 2024

By Bernard Anthony
Seven young Catholics received the Sacrament of Confirmation during the Centennial Mass at the Chapel of St James, officiated by Bishop Bernard Paul. The candidates included five from St James and two from the Church of the Holy Spirit in Jasin.

During the ceremony, Chapel Administrator Fr M. Alexuchelvam presented the candidates to Bishop Bernard following the Gospel reading. The bishop asked, “Are you ready for Confirmation?” The candidates confidently responded with a firm “Yes.”

In his homily, Bishop Bernard urged the Confirmands to deepen their relationship with God while reminding them of their responsibility to serve the poor and those in need. He emphasised the importance of prioritising the Word of God, worship, and good works in their Christian journey.

“Many want to follow Jesus, but some are more interested in seeking status or comfort,” Bishop Bernard said. “However, Jesus calls us to embrace the cross. As Christians, we may face discrimination and hardship, but we are called to die to self and serve others, not to seek name or position.”

The bishop further encouraged the candidates to remain faithful to their beliefs, saying, “If asked who I believe in, I will answer that I believe in God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and in the Catholic Church.”

The Rite of Confirmation followed, with the seven candidates stepping forward alongside their godparents for the anointing of the Chrism. Bishop Bernard sealed each with the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit,” to which the Confirmands responded, “Amen.”

Former Chapel Administrator Fr M. Devadasan, in his congratulatory speech, praised the candidates’ parents and catechists for nurturing them in the faith. Bishop Bernard also extended his congratulations to the newly confirmed Catholics, who received their Certificates of Confirmation before gathering for a group photo.

The newly Confirmed expressed their joy in receiving the sacrament, feeling strengthened by the seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and better equipped to witness to Christ in their daily lives.