Twenty-four confirmed at SFX, Melaka

May 28, 2015

By Percy D’Cruz
Twenty-four Tamil-speaking candidates of St Francis Xavier received the Sacrament of Confirmation on May 17 from Bishop Paul Tan.

In a special address to the new confirmands, Fr Micheal Mannayagam said that being confirmed is a new beginning in their lives and that one should use the fruits of the Holy Spirit to serve and be loyal to Christ.

He added, “On your part, and also for all of us, including the clergy and religious, the highest form of worship is to surrender yourself. Surrender first to the Lord Jesus Christ and secondly, surrender to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a consultant. The Holy Spirit is the Lord and giver of life. If there is no Holy Spirit, there will be no Mass, no prayers and no sanctification. That is the role of the Holy Spirit.

“The Holy Spirit also prepares the world for the second coming of Christ. The Holy Spirit prepares you for mission in the world. Surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life for mission.” Fr Michael, in further describing the Holy Spirit, said that it is the Spirit of Freedom represented by the symbol of the Wind as true freedom comes from the Holy Spirit.

In closing, Fr Michael reminded the candidates that when they leave schools, colleges or universities and embark on their working lives, they will still need the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will be the guiding force in their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. He reiterated, “Nobody gives you that freedom, for it is already given to you. I also advise you to use the gifts given to you in Confirmation, together with all the talent and personal abilities in your mission in the community and the world at large.”

He then thanked all those, including parents and god-parents, who had journeyed with the candidates, rendering words of encouragement and commitment to the candidates.