Over 400 newly confirmed members of the Church have been told that the only way they can prove that they have received the Holy Spirit and have become better individuals, is to ensure that they bear the fruits of the Holy Spirit. The charge was given by Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, while delivering the homily during the confirmation of 488 candidates, held recently at Ss. Mulumba and David Catholic Church, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos. Archbishop Martins said the candidates are receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation because the grace of God has made them ready for the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Speaking on the feast of Pentecost, he said it was the occasion Jesus’ promise of sending the advocate was fulfilled, adding that Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit to remind us of what He has taught us and lead us to the Father. Archbishop Martins said the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity reminds us that God is one, but there are three persons in one God, stating that this was a unique knowledge given only to Christians. He said the knowledge of the feast of Corpus Christi was given only to Catholics in faith, adding that this knowledge is given by Christ to the Church He founded and which has continued to be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Archbishop Martins said the Holy Eucharist is given to Catholics in order that they become better and behave better, as well as become more like Jesus whom they receive, in words, thoughts and actions. The Archbishop asked each of the newly confirmed to go and find out the story of the life of the saint whose name they have chosen, urging them not to take the names for granted, but to emulate the lives of the saints. For his part, Very Rev. Fr. Andrew Edogbo CSSp, the Parish Priest thanked God for the day and the Archbishop for administering the sacrament on the newly confirmed, as well as Very Rev. Fr. Anozie, Dean, Surulere Deanery, the priests, religious and parishioners for theit support. He commended the newly confirmed for making themselves available for classes and meeting the criteria, as well as the catechists for their efforts in teaching and preparing the candidates for the sacrament.
