Confirmation Day

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

Yesterday was Vito's confirmation. Covid made the celebration more intimate and solemn. This year was different from previous year. Somehow, we were bit disappointed not to have the Bishop present or to enjoy large celebrations, but still featured memorable moments. It was held in number of batches and performed by our parish priest, Tatay Andrew, who is very close to our hearts. Each batch, there's only six candidates for confirmation and maximum of 24 visitors (parents, godparents, and siblings) in order to keep the number of people at a safe level. Wearing mask and social distancing were strictly implemented. It was a dry celebration, no song of praise nor soft hymns. However, Covid does not negate the graces poured out from the Sacrament. Tatay Andrew made sure it was special and memorable thru his sincere and gratifying homily.

The moment we arrived at the venue, I felt a pang of longing of my dear Enzo. I got emotional watching his friends served at the Eucharistic celebration. I remembered how delighted I was every time he and his brother, Vito, served at the altar. Last year, before the lockdown, on Enzo's Confirmation Day, we're extra blessed because Vito was one of the altar server. It was also remarkable as Enzo was the cantor of the gospel acclamation (Alleluia). This was one of my proudest mommy moment. He always find ways to use of his blessing to glorify God. And there's joy in his serving.

This video was the only souvenir of your moment as cantor. It was taken during one of the practices of the choir. Thank you for this memorabilia, Tita Raine.

Aside from the heartfelt homily, the liturgy has several touching points. One was during the Confirmation prayer when Tatay Andrew (the priest) calls down the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Second was the actual anointing, with the sponsor standing behind the candidate, touching their shoulder and presenting them to Tatay Andrew at the altar. There was short one on one moment, maybe he had personal prayer with each candidate or counselling. We actually didn’t know, it was just between him and the child, and that made it more notable. And lastly, during the “peace be with you” he asked the candidates to go to their parents and mark on their forehead with cross as sign of blessing, no words just action. It was very moving and soul-stirring. At that moment, I felt fulfilled and gratified.

I hope for others to feel the same too. May this not be a perfunctory and superficial event, and that we all came with open hearts and open minds. Confirmation is all about receiving the gifts of the Holy Spirit not only for the candidates but also to those presence during the sacramental event. It resonates long afterward. Not everyone can have a ‘zap moment’ but there will be a time that we manifest the strength and ability to do certain things that weren’t there before. How this happens is the actual sacred mystery of receiving and witnessing the sacrament.

My boys are not much of social media but I am proud of my love for them and hope that my love inspire other moms too.

My dear Vito,

Yesterday, you have received the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the sacrament of Confirmation with your CCD classmates and promised to be committed to your faith to Jesus and to your support to the Catholic church.

As your mom and CCD teacher, I was very happy and proud to present you before the altar. I understand that much of our lesson at class went in one ear and out the other but I was pleased when you confidently answered Tatay Andrew’s questions at the homily about who sent the Holy Spirit to mankind (God the Father) and who asked for the Holy Spirit to be sent to mankind (Jesus, God the Son). Somehow, I can confidently claim that I was able to plant small seed of faith and love of Jesus to you and your classmates. I pray that this seed will grow healthier overtime.

The truth is, your faith is a long journey, you will learn more by fulfilling your promises to the church with your services and prayers. I remember when you were young, your prayers were all thanksgiving for the food we have on our table, for the roof above our head, and for the Legos you have that makes you happy. Then it matured to thanking God for your family, friends, teachers, and all the people around you and ask God to make the sick better and the homeless to have shelter and food. And when Pope Francis visited Philippines and heard his prayers, you also prayed for mercy and compassion without even knowing what it meant. I know you know how to pray from your heart, so I pray you will also serve from your heart.

You were a timid child, but with God’s grace and support from your late brother, Enzo, you have emerged to a beautiful butterfly. Your faith continues to blossom. You joined the altar server too after 2years your brother became one. I was the happiest when you finally agreed to do the altar server trainings. At first, I know you only did it to satisfy me but then you came around and embraced the service as you were assured that Enzo will be there for you as his senior AS. I always adore your love-hate relationship with Enzo. It brings bliss to my motherhood.

I can’t express to you enough what a wonderful gift you have been to our family from the very moment you were born. You bring so much joy and love. I am so proud of you. I know God has a unique plan for our family and especially to you. I may be still in my dark place since God called Enzo home unexpectedly but I look forward to helping you figure out His plan for you. I only pray that you always hang on to the happy loving memories of the times we had when we were still four, remember all the sibling's love you and Enzo had shared and continue to grow in your love and faith in Jesus. I am very grateful to you for being my strength. Your love and patience have helped me to get through my anguish. I am sorry for my sad days but know in your heart that even I am in pain my love for you has never been lesser than my love to Enzo.

Maybe, another darker days will come. I pray not so many and not too soon but if you practice your faith and continue to grow in love with Jesus and close to the Blessed Mother Mary, you will always get through them.

And remember, your dad and I love you very much.

Yours always,

Mom