Fides Media Living the Faith
By Precious Ukeje
Not less than 375 candidates were presented before Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, for administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, last Saturday, August 14, at St John Catholic Church, Agulu.
The Chief Celebrant at the Mass, laid hands on them and prayed for the bestowing of the Holy Spirit on them.
Bishop Ezeokafor in his homily, reminded the congregation that in their walks as Christians, one of the ways to grow was the reception of the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which culminated into spiritual growth.
‘To grow spiritually, one needs two important sacraments: of the Blood and Body of Christ, and that of Reconciliation,’ he further explained.
The Awka Diocesan Bishop reminded the people of God of how Jesus Christ died and two of His disciples on their way to Emmaus discussed Him as people who had no hope that He would resurrect, and added that Christ had promised the advent of the Holy Spirit upon His departure.
He reflected further that upon the reception of the Holy Spirit, the Disciples of Christ began to do exploits, adding that the Holy Spirit gave audacity and boldness to Christians and also helped them to declare the Lordship of Christ.
He said while addressing the candidates for Confirmation that other functions of the Holy Spirit included to lead Christians on their journey, guiding them to do what they ought to always.
Regretting that translation weakened meaning, he pointed out a slight discrepancy in the recitation of the gift of wisdom as were obtainable in the current translation and the old one. The bishop described the gift of wisdom as having the knowledge of the things of the world and also seeking that of heaven.
He urged them to not only know the things of the world, but also of heaven as the latter was superior and everlasting, adding that it was in the world that one would prepare for eternity.
In a similar contribution, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr Emmanuel Ezenwata, in an earlier remark, welcomed the bishop to the parish while informing congregants of the purpose of gathering.
Meanwhile, St John Catholic Church, Agulu, is expected to host the bishop again on Sunday, August 29, 2021, for the dedication of its church building. The occasion was separated from the August 14 Confirmation for purpose of not keeping congregants for too long in church, pending the large number of persons to be confirmed.