Signo te signo crucis; et confirmo te chrismate salutis… “I confirm you with the Chrism of Salvation”…. With these words Very Reverend Bishop Robert J. McManus administered the Sacrament of Confirmation to 50 confirmandi in the Traditional Rite at Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel on August 25th. Half of those receiving the sacrament were IHM students, grades 9 through 11; eight were adults and the rest, catechism students from IHM and St. Anne’s Chapel. The number was significant for this historic event considering the first Pentecost took place 50 days after Easter!

Each recipient was well prepared with months of instruction culminating in a written and oral exam. Before the ceremony, the group of 100 sponsors and students met in Saint Agnes Hall. Each received a pin and thirteen were applauded for perfect test papers. Although the day was sweltering hot, the chapel was packed with confirmandi, sponsors and a limited number of family members.

The bishop processed in, accompanied by Father Mark Johnson, Master of Ceremonies, Father Joseph Santos of Providence, RI, and a cross-bearer, miter-bearer, crosier-bearer, thurifer and two acolytes. The altar was decorated appropriately with 16 dozen roses of various colors. From the choir loft the Brothers and Sisters sang the Veni Sancte Spiritus, Veni Creator, Ave Maris Stella and the Salve Mater.

Before conferring the sacrament Bishop McManus addressed the congregation, expressing his delight to be there to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation “because through the imposition of hands and the prayers of the Church the candidates are to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, the T hird Person of the Blessed Trinity.” He continued, “Today begins the journey sacramentally begun on the day of your Baptism, when your parents brought you to the church…..On that Baptism day, in the waters of Baptism you died with Christ and to everything sinful. Original sin was forgiven and you were personally and individually united to Jesus Christ Who is forever the Saviour of the World.” He continued to exhort the students to continue to deepen their relationship with Christ because, “the Church expects you to be witnesses in full measure of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the fact that He has come into the world.” Bishop McManus then explained the roll of the bishop in conferring the sacraments on the faithful, a power which will enable them to grow in holiness, having the Holy Spirit dwell in their hearts. He encouraged them to use “the gifts given by Christ to the Church today in the Sacrament of Confirmation: the gift of prayer, life of service, performing acts of charity and mercy. So that when we finally meet Christ He will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Master.”

After Confirmation was administered, traditional Latin Benediction was given ending with the solemn blessing of the congregation with the Blessed Sacrament.
Afterward, leaving the very hot chapel, the Bishop greeted everyone outside. Once the congregation left, the Brothers and Sisters enjoyed a visit with the Bishop who celebrated the event with us, sharing a glorious feast donated by a friend, in honor of the event.

 

Watch a slideshow of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Confirmation 2007

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