Bishop Siby administers Sacrament of Confirmation to 109 candidates

Aitape: One hundred and nine people comprising of students, and young people from Arop TVET, Corpus Christi Primary school, Wauroin Primary school, and Pou Primary school received the sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday May 18th, 2025.

Some of the newly confirmed candidates take a group picture with His Lordship Bishops Siby Mathew Peedikayil HGN after mass.

Most Reverend Bishop Siby Mathew Peedikayil HGN administered the Sacrament of Confirmation with Vicar General Reverend Fr Hugh Kuam OFM assisting him. Joining them as concelebrants were Fr George Ayikade CSSp and Fr Thomas Pradeesh Mathew HGN.

In his homily, Bishop Siby emphasized on the importance of the sacrament of Confirmation.

"Today is the renewal of the gift of the Spirit of God that we first received in baptism. The Sacrament of Confirmation is received only once in a lifetime. It will help you to become a more active ambassador of Christ".

Bishop Siby encouraged the newly confirmed candidates to stand firm in their Catholic faith and endure suffering as baptized Christians to enter the Kingdom of God.

“As confirmed Catholics, it is our duty we must put God first and allow the spirit to be alive and active in us. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all shall be given unto you (Mtt6:33).”

Procession of the candidates before the mass

Carlo Jackreth from Arop TVET said that his heart was deeply beating and blazing with the fire of the Holy Spirit during the Confirmation rite. He was very happy and joyful to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation after the many lessons and apostolic works Sister Mary gave him. Carlos’ parents passed away when he was a little boy and his uncle Nevol raised him. He sincerely thanked his uncle Nevol for encouraging him to attend the sacrament lessons.

The celebration was liturgically well prepared with the beautiful choir led by Corpus Christi youth.