310 children receive Sacrament of Confirmation on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord in Bangladesh

In the Catholic Diocese of Rajshahi in Bangladesh 310 children received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the feast of the Presentation of the Lord at Sursunipara Catholic Church on February 2.

"We offer our children for the work of God in His vineyard,” said Bishop Gervas Rozario of Rajshahi in his homily during the feast day of the Presentation of the Lord celebration.

"During my childhood I used to go to church every day to join the Eucharistic celebration and prayed the Rosary every evening in our house. After praying the Rosary, my mother and grandmother often told me that we dedicate you to the name of Jesus," said Bishop Gervas.

"I believe, in the same way, your parents also will tell you about the consecrated life, and encourage to teach you to pray so that in the future you can also serve and work of the church for the Lord, " said Bishop Rozario.

"Confirmation" is a sacrament of the Catholic Church that is mostly received by children after being introduced to the faith.

About five hundred people witnessed the ceremony that was attended by eleven priests and four nuns who assisted in the celebration at the end of a nine-day prayer for their spiritual preparation.

Bishop Gervas told the children that through the Sacrament of Confirmation "you will receive the Holy Spirit in your hearts and minds."

"You will be marked with a special symbol …. The Holy Spirit will mark his name in your hearts," said the prelate.

"The Holy Spirit will always be with you, giving you strength, courage, and enlightening you to do good works,” said the bishop, adding that “from now on you will be soldiers of Christ."

Regional Director of Caritas Rajshahi Region, Mr. David Hembrom said, "I extend my sincere love and best wishes to all of you on the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. At the same time, I call everyone, so that we too can become dedicated people like Jesus Christ."

Nicholas Murmu, a Christian devotee of Sursunipara Catholic Church expressed his feelings and said, today we are celebrating our Parish 30th Feast day.

"We believe that, as Saint Joseph and Mother Mary offered the Lord Jesus Christ to God, we want to offer all our hearts, minds, and souls to God today. Also, we hope that we parents can dedicate our children to God like the Lord Jesus Christ," said Nicholas Murmu.

Parish priest of the Presentation of Our Lord Church, Father Prodip Joseph Costa said, "This feast day reminds us and encourages us to dedicate our lives to God. And at the same time it’s a day for thanksgiving and gratitude to God."  

The feast of the Presentation of Our Lord was concluded with cultural program. - Nikhil Gomes