Though the numbers preparing varied, ultimately there were seven young men who were confirmed, almost enough for a hockey team. In a sense they were joining God's team. This is probably a first in that no girls were confirmed. Always there is a hope that one of these fine young men will respond to God's call to become a priest to replace Fr. Mathieu, who is 86 years old! On the left is Fr. Gaspar Savarimuthu, a priest from India who is experiencing a time of orientation in preparation to minister in our archdiocese. He also helped out with the retreat.
The evening before the confirmation celebration itself was given over to a retreat in preparation for the event. Seven candidates, along with some of their parents and sponsors gathered in the Church for the retreat which involved singing, exercises and teachings.
Here Archbishop Sylvain leads the participants in singing and also facilitated the retreat that focused on living a Christian life more fully, learning more about Jesus, being open to the Holy Spirit and a ritual run through of the ceremony itself.
Our retreat for the nine candidates and sponsors wrapped up with a closing circle that included the pastor Fr. Bertrand Mathieu OMI.
The other half of the closing circle for the retreat in the Patuanak Church.
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