32 Confirmed at St Benedict the Black Parish in Sebokeng
Youth at St Benedict the Black and St Kizito parishes, Archdiocese of Johannesburg, receive the Sacrament of Confirmation
By Thoko Malinga – 32 young boys and girls received the Sacrament of Confirmation at a joint celebration of St Benedict the Black and St Kizito parishes held at St Benedict the Black Parish in Zone 3, Sebokeng, by the Archbishop of Johannesburg, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, on March 30.
The Confirmation ceremony, which was attended by families, friends, and parishioners, was presided over by Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg, who imparted his blessing upon the candidates as they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
In his homily, Cardinal Brislin shared a profound message with the young confirmands, focusing on the story of the Prodigal Son from the Gospel of Luke. He spoke of the spirit of forgiveness, love, and reconciliation, urging the candidates to embrace these virtues in their lives as they take this next step in their faith journey. The Cardinal reminded them that, just like the prodigal son, no matter how far one may stray, the arms of God’s mercy are always open, ready to welcome us back with love.
Cardinal Brislin emphasised that the young people had made a powerful choice by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide them. In receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, they had opened themselves to a deeper relationship with God and the Church. The Cardinal encouraged them to stay strong in their faith, to be courageous witnesses of Christ’s love in their communities, and to live out the promises they made on their Baptism Day with renewed fervour and devotion.
As the candidates were anointed with Chrism and sealed with the Holy Spirit, they were not only confirmed as full members of the Catholic Church but were also entrusted with the mission to spread the Gospel, living lives of integrity, compassion, and service. It was a moment of great joy for both the confirmands and the entire parish family, as they witnessed the deepening of faith in the hearts of the young people.
This celebration, under the guidance of Father Sandile Madotyeni, was a testament to the vitality and future of the Church in Sebokeng, as the young people take their place in the ongoing mission of spreading God’s love and truth in the world.
The parishioners of St Benedict the Black and St Kizito, together with the broader community, stand united in prayer for these young members, as they continue to grow in their relationship with God and the Church. May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire and strengthen them in their journey of faith.
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