November 20, 2024 – Dressed in red gowns symbolizing the fire of the Holy Spirit, 50 young men and women of our parish received the Sacrament of Confirmation, marking their full initiation into the Catholic faith. The special Mass was presided by Bishop Willybard Lagho, with our parish and neighboring priests concelebrating, and it turned into a vibrant celebration of faith and culture.
The confirmands – mainly teenagers and a few young adults – had been preparing for over a year. As they processed in with lit candles, the choir sang “Veni Creator Spiritus” (Come Holy Spirit), setting a reverent tone. Bishop Lagho, in his welcome, greeted them in several languages (English, Swahili, Giriama) emphasizing the universality of what they were about to receive.
In his homily, the Bishop spoke directly to the youth with warmth and urgency. He reminded them of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, applying each to daily life: “Wisdom will help you make good choices when your peers pressure you; Courage will help you stand for truth even when it’s hard,” and so on. He also acknowledged the challenges young people face today – from social media temptations to unemployment – and encouraged them that the Holy Spirit is an ever-present guide and strength. Importantly, he stressed this was not “graduation from church” (as some joke after confirmation) but rather a commissioning to active discipleship. The youth nodded, understanding that being confirmed meant stepping up more in parish life, not stepping out.
The Rite of Confirmation itself was deeply moving. One by one, each candidate, accompanied by their sponsor (often a godparent or elder sibling), approached the Bishop. As he anointed each with Chrism oil, he spoke their chosen confirmation name: “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” A few were overcome with emotion – tears of joy streaming – and their sponsors gently squeezed their shoulders in support. We had a range of saint names this year, from common ones like Peter and Teresa to unique choices like Kizito (a Uganda martyr youth) and Josephine Bakhita. Hearing those names aloud was a reminder of the cloud of witnesses now specially connected to these confirmands.
After all were anointed, the Bishop invited the congregation to give a rousing applause for the newly confirmed – and the church erupted in clapping and ululations, some youth even doing a little dance back to their seats, faces radiant.
The Mass continued with the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Confirmands participated actively – some did readings, others brought up the gifts (in a procession that included symbolic gifts like a Bible, a catechism, and tools representing work, all to be blessed).
At the conclusion of Mass, one of the newly confirmed, a young lady named Cynthia, gave a short testimony of what the journey meant. She thanked the catechists for patiently teaching them and promised on behalf of her peers: “We are ready to serve – in the choir, in youth group, in whatever way we can. This is our spiritual home.” It was a proud moment for our catechetical team hearing that their labor bore fruit.
Then came the celebrations: outside, the family and friends of the confirmands had set up colorful tents. Each confirmand got a “Confirmation Kit” from the parish – containing a new Bible, a rosary, and a certificate with their name and saint. Many photos were taken: Bishop Lagho cheerfully posed with groups of youth, making the sign of peace or thumbs-up. Parents beamed as they draped their kids in “leso” shawls and flower garlands (a Kenyan tradition for graduations and big occasions).
A reception followed, essentially a mini-party by each family, but with lots of sharing. One could wander from tent to tent sampling pilau here, biryani there, some fresh coconuts being cut open at another. It felt like a parish family event, not isolated celebrations, because everyone congratulated everyone’s child. The CWA ensured no one was left out, providing food even to visitors or those who came alone.
Some of the confirmands couldn’t afford fancy parties – for them, the parish had arranged a communal cake and drink so they too could celebrate equally. It was touching to see those from well-off families and those from struggling backgrounds all laughing together, the Sacrament having truly made them one in Spirit.
A few of the newly confirmed used the mic (DJed by the youth group) to give shout-outs: “Thank you mom and dad,” or a shy boy who said “Asante catechist Florence, ulikuwa mzuri sana” (thank you, you were so good to us), causing everyone to cheer. A group of them even spontaneously did a gospel rap they composed about the gifts of the Spirit – showcasing their talent and zeal in a modern way. The refrain “Holy Spirit, we welcome You today!” got even the Bishop to tap his foot, smiling.
As the afternoon sun waned, families packed up and headed home, many planning continuation at home. But one could sense that something new had begun. The parish gained 50 newly empowered young apostles. We’ve already seen the effects: at the next Sunday Youth Mass, the front rows were filled with these confirmands, many proudly wearing their confirmation crosses, now stepping forward to volunteer as readers and ushers.
Truly, it was a day of Pentecost in miniature for St. Charles Lwanga Parish. We pray that these young people remain ablaze with the Spirit’s love and become active leaders in our community. With initiatives like the Magis group and youth ministry ready to integrate them, the future of our parish looks bright.
Congratulations to our Confirmands of 2024! Be strong in faith, joyful in hope, and on fire with charity. The Holy Spirit is with you always – go and set the world on fire (in the words of St. Ignatius) with Christ’s light!
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