By Leo Paraha
Gabutu, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, 29 May 2024 -- Forty-one candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation from His Eminence Cardinal Sir John Ribat, MSC, on 26 May at Don Bosco Church, Gabutu. The candidates were from the parish of Mary Help of Christians, Sabama, with 14 candidates from Sabama, 9 from Gabutu, and 18 from Serokone. Fr Ambrose Pereira, SDB, and Fr Carroll Tevamle, MSC, concelebrated at the Eucharist.
The well-decorated church welcomed parishioners who celebrated the feast of Mary Help of Christians, Trinity Sunday, and the Sacrament of Confirmation. The mothers opened the celebrations with the crowning of our Blessed Mother, offering flowers. The Pari parishioners then led the entrance procession with traditional singing.
In his homily, Cardinal Ribat emphasized the Holy Trinity - Three Persons, One God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He reminded the congregation that at every Sacrament and every time we pray, we invoke the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He encouraged the young candidates and the congregation to renew their baptismal promises, be confirmed, and go out to proclaim the good news, knowing that the Holy Spirit is our helper. He challenged the candidates and the congregation to overcome evil, knowing that the Holy Spirit is always with us. “Our faith as Catholics must stand firm, despite the comments and false accusations about the Catholic Faith,” said the Cardinal. He further emphasized, "Have a strong faith and believe as Catholics. Be faithful and don't listen to deceptions, knowing Jesus Christ is our Saviour." In his final statement, he honoured Mother Mary and highlighted that she was always with Jesus Christ till the end. He then congratulated the candidates, affirming that they would be joining the community to be witnesses of Christ.
The choir, composed of Gabutu youth members, set the mood for the event. The offertory dance was performed by the Dobbin compound kids, while the post-communion dance was led by the Dobbin compound girls.
At the end, rosaries were blessed by the Cardinal and presented to the catechists who prepared the candidates from Sabama, Serekone, Pari, and Gabutu. Photographs were taken, and light refreshments were served. Candidates, sponsors, parents, and catechists gathered around to have a bite. The candidates, all energized and filled with the Holy Spirit, then made their way home.
