Brisbane Archdiocese is continuing to see a renewed interest in adult faith formation. Source: The Catholic Leader.
The Brazilian community marked a historic milestone as 24 adults received the Sacrament of Confirmation at St Patrick’s Church, Fortitude Valley on October 18.
“The group represents the largest number of adults confirmed together in the history of Brisbane’s Brazilian Catholic community,” one of the catechists, Raphael Picorelli said.
Community chaplain Fr Francisco Evangelista celebrated the Mass. In his homily, he reflected on Confirmation as a personal commitment to faith and a call to live with love, strength and purpose.
“This is my faith; this is the faith I want to live,” he said, encouraging those receiving the Sacrament to make that commitment their own.
“Just like Jesus, each person has a mission,” Fr Evangelista said, explaining that love was expressed through service.
“The Holy Spirit gives strength, sustains us and encourages us.”
Brazilian traditions were part of the Mass and celebration afterwards. Hymns were sung in Portuguese, and a travelling statue of Brazil’s patron saint, Our Lady of Aparecida, was present.
The statue visits a different community member’s home each week, bringing families together in prayer.
Catechist Mr Picorelli said the record group of 24 adult Confirmations in the Brazilian community was an encouraging sign of a multicultural Catholic community establishing deeper roots in the local Church.
The candidates participated in regular formation covering the foundations of Catholic faith and sacramental life, followed by a retreat and opportunities for Reconciliation ahead of the Confirmation.
Mr Picorelli said it was a privilege to help the confirmands develop a desire to know Christ and His Church.
“Our message to them has always been that Confirmation is not a graduation from the Church,” he said.
“It is a strengthening by the Holy Spirit for mission. Now the invitation is to remain close to the Eucharist, become involved in the life of the Church and take that faith into their families and everyday lives.”
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Brisbane Brazilian Catholic community makes history with record adult Confirmations (By Kymberlee Gomes, The Catholic Leader)
