By Bernard Anthony
Eighteen young candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Bernard Paul during the centennial and feast day Mass at the Church of St Matthew on Sep 21.
The candidates came from the parishes of Segamat, Muar, and Tangkak. The celebration brought the community together, with Bishop Bernard presiding at the morning Mass, concelebrated by Fr Jason Wong and Fr Aaron Alammalay.
Bishop Bernard invited the assembly to keep the candidates in prayer as they took this important step in their faith journey.
In his address to them, Bishop Bernard exhorted the candidates to remain steadfast in their faith. “To be true Christians, you must complete the race,” he said, “not be shaky or weak Christians.” To illustrate his point, the bishop used the simple yet powerful image of a balloon. Holding up an uninflated balloon, he said it was soft, empty, and without form. Then he inflated it, showing how it took on shape, character, and content.
“You have a choice,” he told them. “Choose the right balloon — one that is full and with content — not empty. Allow the Holy Spirit to blow into you, just as a balloon needs air to have shape and life. Let God’s breath fill you, cleanse you, and empower you with a new heart, new zeal, and new life. The Holy Spirit will teach you what is right and wrong.”
He then challenged the young people to examine their lives: “Are you self-indulgent, or are you self-giving? We are called to share our time, talents, and resources — not just to ask what we can receive, but to give of ourselves generously.”
Bishop Bernard encouraged the candidates to be bold disciples of Christ and to bear good fruit — the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and selfcontrol.
He also reminded them of the “3G” of Christian living:
Grace – Recognising that God is with us and is at the centre of our lives. God’s grace is His unmerited favour, mercy, and kindness, which we are called to share with others.
Gratitude – Cultivating a thankful heart wherever we go, acknowledging God’s presence and blessings.
Givers – Becoming people who give of themselves. “If you love Jesus, go and feed His sheep,” the bishop urged, calling all Christians to care for and share with those in need.
After Mass, Bishop Bernard presented the certificates of Confirmation to the newly confirmed, and met with some of the candidates and their parents in the church foyer. The celebration concluded with a lunch fellowship in the parish hall, allowing everyone to share in the joy of the day. – Herald Malaysia
