26th August was a memorable day as it was the 2023 Confirmation day for a total of 57 candidates – 49 from the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru and 8 from the Divine Mercy Church, Skudai. These confirmands were officially anointed with the oil of chrism by Bishop Bernard Paul during the Confirmation mass in the presence of their family members, sponsors, catechists and parishioners. The multi-lingual liturgy team animated the mass with hymns and readings in four languages. All these would not be possible without the great support from the members of the liturgy team, AV team, hospitality team, parish office, and many volunteers!

Bishop Bernard Paul spoke about the true meaning of being confirmed. He reminded the confirmands to focus on their special anointing by the Holy Spirit. With the presence of the Holy Spirit, they are no more children, but adults, in the faith. Not only must they feel near to God, but they must also be able to say No to self-indulgence and Yes to living God’s Way. They must recognise that the old is gone, and from now on, they must have a new life and a new spirit.

Bishop Bernard told the confirmands to ask God for the grace to learn from the Holy Spirit and become “Rocks in the faith, not lalang”. They must be strong, spirit-filled Catholics and not ‘empty’ Catholics. He also encouraged them to take part in ministries and contribute to their communities. He said that whatever we do is an opportunity to evangelise. We should not just talk about Jesus but live Jesus by our care and concern for others.

Mr. Bernard Chew, the Deputy Director of the St. Joseph’s Catechetical Office of the Church of The Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru thanked Bishop Bernard Paul for confirming the candidates and the attending clergy namely parish priest Father Edward Rayappan, assistant priest Father Claurence Motoyou OFM, and from the Divine Mercy Church, Skudai, its parish priest Father Dr. Lawrence Ng, and Deacon Offic Joseph, parishioners and catechists for their tireless efforts in preparing for the event. He also thanked the confirmands for their commitment to our faith and said that their obvious love for the Lord is inspiring. He reminded them that Confirmation gives us the grace to truly live a Christian life, so we should seek to draw closer to the Risen Lord and to one another.

Jo Cheah
St Joseph's Catechetical Office
Church of The Immaculate Conception, Johor Bahru