Archbishop tells confirmandi to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in their lives

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Catholic News Agency

Archbishop tells confirmandi to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit in their lives

Dozens of adults received the sacrament of confirmation from Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, at Holy Spirit Church on December 5 in a liturgy provided the archdiocese several times per year for those over 18 to be strengthened by this sacrament.

Persons wishing to be confirmed must have been baptized, have already received their first Eucharist, and have through a process of preparation to receive confirmation through their parish.

In his homily, Archbishop Gustavo told the confirmandi that he would place his hands on them and call down the Holy Spirit upon them, the same Spirit they received in baptism.

“Today, the Spirit will come into your lives in a new and powerful way. I will also anoint you with sacred chrism. Today, God calls you to continue the mission of his beloved Son,” the archbishop explained. “God will give you whatever you need to carry out your responsibilities as disciples of the risen Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are children of God, called and sent to share the good news of God’s love with all our sisters and brothers whom we encounter.”

He emphasized to those about to be confirmed that while this is a new, blessed moment in their lives, it is also a great challenge!

“We live in difficult times for people of faith. Walking in God’s ways is countercultural. The ways of the world are to seek power, possessions, pleasure — by whatever means!” stressed Archbishop Gustavo. “Daily we face an exaggerated individualism, a tendency to justify every kind of evil, an atmosphere of mistrust and falsehoods that divides, alienates, and polarizes us into camps and tribes, building walls rather than bridges.”

Pope Francis has said, “Around us there is presence of evil. The devil is at work. But in a loud voice I say God is stronger.”

The archbishop shared how the gift of the Holy Spirit has been bestowed in abundance so that we may live lives of genuine faith and active charity. “The kingdom of God, on the other hand, is one where everyone is respected because he or she is created in God’s own image,” he said. “The kingdom of God is a place of justice and peace, of harmony and unity, of love and concern for the poor, the brokenhearted, the captive, and those who mourn.”

The Missionary of the Holy Spirit reiterated to listeners that the sacrament of confirmation will strengthen them to live a life of discipleship, faithful to the word of God, as the Holy Spirit will empower you to proclaim the Lord Jesus and his gospel to others, especially by the way you live and act.

“Rightfully pray daily for a better life for our families and our communities. But God needs us to be his eyes, ears, mouth, and arms in order to bring the kingdom to fulfillment,” the San Antonio prelate challenged attendees. “Have courage! Be confident! God’s Spirit is with us, within us!Ven, Holy Spirit, Ven!”