The fruitfulness of communities of faith


The sacrament of confirmation is often associated in people's mind with a rite of passage for children and young persons. I have the privilege of celebrating the sacrament of confirmation with many candidates who are not children.

One of the remarkable features of this Diocese in Europe is that many people find that their experience of a community of faith provided by our churches opens up a path for exploring the meaning of their baptism and their calling as Christians. Participation in the liturgies, receiving solid and sensitive preaching and teaching, and sensing a welcome and acceptance by the community are all essential factors. For those who have never been confirmed, the sacrament provides a fitting celebration of their decision and commitment to walking together with their sister and brother Christians.

I hear this affirmed in so many moving testimonies from candidates when I ask why they have decided to take the step of confirmation. Such was the case at a celebration earlier this month in San Blas, one of the congregations in our Chaplaincy of St Francis, Tenerife South.

 

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