Fifty youngsters receive ‘Sacrament of Confirmation’ at Mount Rosary Church, Santhekatte

By Prof. Archibald Furtado
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Santekatte, 17 Sep 2023: His Lordship Bishop of Udupi Diocese Most  Rev. Dr. Gerald Isaac Lobo anointed, fifty  youngsters, 22 Boys and 28 Girls of the parish, with holy Olive oil on the forehead and praying over them, by laying on of hands, during the special Holy Mass at 8.00 am, on Sunday, 17 September.

 

After the proclamation of the word, and renewal of baptismal promises, Bishop explained the significance of Holy Sacrament in his homily. He referred various extracts and incidents from both Old Testament and new, how Holy Spirit, guided, guarded and led the Church and faithful to be close to God. ‘Confirmation or Chrism is a Catholic rite, popularly known Sacrament, by which admission to the Church will be confirmed or established previously in infant Baptism.

 

‘We firmly believe, this confers seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, upon the recipients in abundance and our relationship with Almighty God is made stronger, to be better witnesses of Christ in the world’.

 

He continued, “Today, all of you fifty are sealed with the gifts of Holy Spirit as you receive the message of faith in a deeper and more intensive manner as true witnesses of Jesus Christ in your families, neighbourhood, society and the world at large strengthened with 7 gifts and thereby imbibe 12 fruits of Holy Spirit, in your life and future career…” he said.

 

 

In the beginning Parish Priest Rev Dr Roque D’Souza, extended a warm welcome to Bishop to our parish along with candidates for confirmation, their parents, God Parents and relatives. After the well arranged ceremony, he thanked Bishop for his gracious presence and extended greetings to the recipients who now confirmed with the fullness of Holy Spirit and on behalf of all who confirmed their representative extended gratitude to Bishop, the Clergy and all involved in the process, including the laity leadership and parishioners.

 

All together it was a festive look in the artistic Church which was near full to its capacity with parishioners gathered in large number. Liturgy was primarily led by the children and Choir team was at its usual best, with selected hymns.

 

After the Holy Mass, the main celebrant, the Bishop congratulated all who received the Sacrament of Confirmation, their parents, God parents and also thanked both the priests, especially Rev. Fr Oliver Nazareth the Assistant Parish priest, and others who prepared all the candidates spiritually to receive the Confirmation.