Cardinal Brislin: Confirmation is a Call to Courage and Witness

by Kati Dijane · August 23, 2025

Confirmations at St Nicholas Catholic Church in Daveyton with Cardinal Stephen Brislin

By Kati Dijane – Family, friends and parishioners gathered at St Nicholas Catholic Church in Daveyton in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg to witness 18 young people receive the Sacrament of Confirmation on August 16. The confirmands came from all four local parishes: St Martin de Porres, St Nicholas, St Lambert and St Monica.

The special Mass was led by His Eminence, Cardinal Stephen Brislin, with parish priest Father Michael Miriti and Father Charles Orero concelebrating. Father Zipho Ngwenya, together with Deacons Sechaba Liphoko and Vincent Morare, also joined in the celebration. The St Cecilians’ choir led the congregation beautifully in song.

Cardinal Brislin’s homily

In his homily, Cardinal Brislin encouraged the young people to see Confirmation as a transformative sacrament, not just a symbolic ritual.

“This sacrament is a very significant milestone in your journey of life,” he said. “Confirmation will strengthen you to live out your Christian faith with boldness and courage. In this sacrament, your faith is sealed with the Holy Spirit.”

He reminded the youth that just as the Apostles were transformed at Pentecost, they too are called to be witnesses of Christ in the world.

“Being Confirmed means fully embracing your identity as followers of Jesus Christ. You are making a commitment to live out the Gospel — to be light in darkness, a voice for the voiceless and a presence of love and compassion wherever you go.”

The cardinal urged the youth to become agents of change in their communities by promoting justice, kindness and humility. He highlighted Jesus’ words: “You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

He also called them to reflect on the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity

“These fruits are not for you alone,” he said. “They are to be shared with others, to transform society and the world.”

The cardinal encouraged them to stay rooted in their faith through prayer, fasting and active participation in the Church. He reminded them to choose their friends wisely, never give up when they fall into sin and always return to God with humility.

“Confirmation is a personal commitment, a response to God’s call,” he added, encouraging them to embrace the Holy Spirit.”