The Sacrament of Confirmation for the Suburban Vicariate was celebrated on Monday, April 14 at the St John The Baptist Church, San Juan. The solemn celebration began at 6 p.m. with the soon-to-be confirmed, their families, sponsors and the wider parish community. The 42 candidates came from nine parishes, from Barataria in the West to Tunapuna in the East.

Archbishop Gilbert delivers the homily.

Candidate and sponsor share the light from the Paschal candle.

Archbishop Edward Gilbert, dressed in red vestments, was the chief celebrant. Concelebrants were Frs Ferdinand Warner, OP, Vicar for the Suburban Vicariate; Gerard Tang Choon, O Carm; Vincent Esprit, FMI; Bunty Hillaire and Arnold Francis. Fr Francis proclaimed the Gospel.

After the presentation of candidates by Fr Warner, His Grace delivered the homily.

Using the readings of the day from Isaiah, St Paul and St John, he focussed on the Holy Spirit. 

He said Confirmation was a reinforcement of the Sacrament of Baptism, and went into detail about this aspect of the faith in relation to the Holy Spirit. He stressed the need for the confirmation candidates to practise their faith and so build a relationship with God.

The Prayer of the Faithful was done by the candidates and representatives of the various parishes, and this was followed by the Rite of Confirmation.

After Communion, the vote of thanks was given by a candidate from St Charles Parish, Tunapuna. At the end of the Mass, light refreshments were served, while photographs were taken in the church with Archbishop Gilbert.

It was a beautiful experience for all who attended. We pray that the newly confirmed will be God's witnesses to the ends of the earth.