What seemed like a typical Friday afternoon in the Summer, had a completely different sense of feeling for 25 young adults who answered “I Do” to be confirmed as members of the Church.
The presence of the Holy Spirit was present in the Church, moving and breathing while the scene was different than your traditional overflowing church with pomp and circumstance. Instead, everyone wore masks, sat 6 feet apart from their left, right, forward, and behind. And when the ushers reached 82 people, the doors were closed.
Confirmation for these young men and women meant accepting the responsibility of their faith and destiny. Childhood is a time when you’re told what to do, listen to your parents, and if done correctly receive a reward or do something wrong; punishment. Adulthood, even young adulthood, means that you must do what’s right on your own, not for the reward but it’s simply the right thing to do.
The focus is on the Holy Spirit, who confirmed the apostles on Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and gave them the courage to practice their faith. Father Pedro during his homily said, “We believe that the same Holy Spirit at the time when the apostles and Mary were in the uppermost room; is the same Holy Spirit that confirms us during the Sacrament of Confirmation and gives us the same gifts of the holy spirit such as Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of God”.
Each individual came forth with their sponsor, right hand on their left shoulder, stood before Father Pedro. In a strong voice called out their Confirmation name, and then Chrism Oil was placed on their forehead, as he said, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.”.
