Confirmation is said to be a moment when a Catholic affirms their beliefs. Through this sacrament, a person becomes a “spiritual adolescent;” that is, they mature in the way they communicate with God and in conveying his message. It entails the reception of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
This year, because of the pandemic, Stella Maris Academy of Davao Pastoral
Ministry Office with Sister Patricia Anna Aragon, F.I., RCA, and the school administration prepared two batches of confirmation for our students in Grade Six, Seven, and Eight. The first batch was last January 14, 2023, and the second batch was last January 21, 2023. With Archbishop of Davao Romulo Valles as the Main celebrant, Three Hundred Fifty-Four (354) students were confirmed.
The celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation within the Eucharist started at 8:00 with a processional by the confirmands, followed by the liturgy of the word, presentation of the confirmands, homily, renewal of baptismal promises, laying of hands, anointing with chrism and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The celebration ended at 10:00 in the morning. Indeed it was a very meaningful celebration for the students. When we are responsive to the grace of Confirmation and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, we begin to bear the fruits of the Spirit. The tradition of the Church names twelve fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, and chastity (cf. CCC, no. 1832; Gal 5:22).
By: Mr. Levi Bayogos