By Rosie P. Lladoc
The parish of St. Stephen Protomartyr is proud to announce the fifty six (56) qualified candidates who received the gift of the Holy Spirit through the Sacrament of Confirmation on February 8, 2025. Rev. Fr. PAULO B. BARANDON, Parish Priest, conferred the sacrament in the presence of the candidates’ parents and godparents.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is usually conferred by a bishop. But through a special faculty received from Bishop JOEL Z. BAYLON, Fr. PAU, performed the task of solemnizing the sacrament. How privileged are the parishioners of St. Stephen Vicariate for Fr. Pau’s special faculty, that Confirmations can take place on a regular basis.
The FEBRUARY 2025 KUMPIL is the third of the series of Confirmations in the parish.
The reflections shared by Fr. Pau, underscored the beauty and sanctity of the Sacrament in the life of a Christian, which many believers fail to appreciate, thus missing the gifts promised by God. It is one of the most beautiful gifts ever received by a Catholic. To be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit enables one to receive the gift of life, and the privilege to obtain God’s promise of eternal life. It strengthens a person’s faith and commitment to Christ. Confirmation is a sacrament by which Catholics receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Through Confirmation, the Holy Spirit gives them the increased ability to practice their Catholic faith in every aspect of their lives and to witness Christ in every situation.
Confirmation completes Baptism, by which the laying on of hands and the anointing with Chrism Oil, which first happened at Baptism, one is confirmed with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Thus we are reminded of our participation in the ministry and mission of Jesus as KING, PRIEST and as PROPHET, and strengthened to follow Jesus more closely.
