On Sunday, 9 July 2023, Archbishop Julian Leow will officiate the Sacrament of Confirmation for 26 candidates from our Parish. Among them, 7 are migrants from Indonesia who work in the plantations near Maran in Pahang and 3 are from Kampung Asli. Following their Confirmation Camp two weeks ago, all candidates participated in the Sacrament of Confession.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is a very special sacrament for our confirmands. Receiving the sacrament is a crucial step in their journey towards becoming a mature Christian. As with all of us, the Sacrament of Confirmation is the beginning of a new chapter in our lives and leads us through personal growth and development. When we take ownership of our faith responsibilities and fulfil our commitments, we ignite a new fire within us. We must witness Christ’s teachings through our actions and utilise our given talents and gifts for the growth of the Church. Living our faith strengthens our relationship with the Church and deepens our connection to our beliefs and values.
Before being confirmed, the bishop asks candidates a set of questions, also known as the Renewal of Baptismal Promises. The first question asks us whether we renounce Satan, his works, and all of his materialistic manifestations. The second question is centred on our faith in God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the Communion of Saints, the resurrection of Christ and the promise of eternal life. When we respond “I do”, we seal and solidify our commitment and loyalty to Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church.
Experiencing Confirmation is a significant moment in our life’s journey. The bishop extends his hands over the confirmands and invokes the outpouring of the Spirit in these words:
“All-Powerful, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit, you freed your sons and daughters from sin and gave them new life. Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide. Give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgement and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence. Fill them with the spirit of wonder and awe in your presence...” (CCC #1299, cf. Isaiah 11: 1-3)
During Anointing, the Archbishop anoints the confirmands with Chrism Oil and says the words, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit,” which represents the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit and signifies their consecration to God’s service. Chrism represents the strength and healing of the confirmands being confirmed.
My dear Confirmands, be proud and grateful to be living ambassadors of Christ through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Give thanks to God and to your faith community - especially to your family, teachers, friends, sponsors, godparents, parishioners and priests - who have worked tirelessly in helping you complete this important milestone. Remember your faith community plays a significant role in shaping you into the person you are today, and as you progress forward, don’t forget to live your life in service to God and the Church.
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