Parishioners receive Sacrament of Confirmation during Feast of Christ the King

Orlando Bishop John Noonan blesses the parishioners who received the Sacrament of Confirmation (Photo from Diocese of Orlando Facebook page)

Orlando Bishop John Noonan conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation to eight parishioners. On Sunday, Nov. 21, the event took place at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish in Lake Nona.

Solemnity of the Sacrament

In a report with The Florida Catholic, the event marked its first celebration at the Catholic Church. The parish was established two years ago. 

Bishop Noonan stressed the solemnity of the occasion. He reminded the attendees that it was a moment to come before God. 

The Bishop also encouraged the faithful to reflect on the readings. It spoke about the crucial role Christ played in their lives. 

He told the youth to take heart and do not be afraid. Bishop Noonan encouraged them to ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Sacrament of Confirmation served as a way for Catholics to express their faith. 

Bishop Noonan then encouraged the youth and said that they had nothing to fear. He pointed out the words of Christ to His disciples, urging them to not be afraid. Christ promised to send the gifts of the Holy Spirit to help them carry out His mission when He was gone. 

"That is the wisdom God wants us to have — to know, to love, and to serve Him," he said. 

Holy Spirit Gifts

The Orlando Bishop also told the youth they would better understand themselves through the Holy Spirit's power. 

The Holy Spirit served as a Helper and a Guide who would help them in their faith journey. He said it also allowed them to be at peace. 

The Bishop urged them that it was vital for them to use the gift to love one another. 

The gift of understanding allowed them to empathize with their fellowmen. It was through the Holy Spirit that they would know what the other person is facing.

He stressed how powerful the gift is because it healed them of fear and anxiety. Bishop Noonan said that doing so was allowing God to help them in times of trouble. 

The Bishop reminded them that they should do all things possible through Christ. He said that Jesus would always lead and guide them in their path. 

Pivotal Step of Faith

Father Charles Viviano, the church's pastor, said he was excited that Bishop Noonan confirmed the youth at St. Frances Xavier. He also thanked the attendees for understanding the solemnity of the event. 

He also said that the youth was now "fully initiated as Roman Catholics." The pastor reminded them that the Sacrament marked a pivotal moment in their faith journey. 

The Catholic priest urged the youth to allow Christ to come into their lives. He reminded them that the world posed challenges as they grew old. Father Viviano said that they would overcome these through Christ. 

Father Viviano also thanked God and patroness St. Cabrini for the blessing they received. He said that enrollment at their school tripled in less than two months. 

He proclaimed that the Holy Spirit was alive and well. The Catholic priest added that they looked forward to more blessings as their church grew in faith. 
 

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