“Say to God, ‘I come to do your will’”

A beautiful day for our diocese: 93 adults are now full members of the Catholic Church by receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Corpus Christi Cathedral. They said yes and received the Holy Spirit when the bishop anointed their foreheads with the Chrism Oil.
 
Candidates from 26 different parishes and the Newman Center at TAMUCC were present with their sponsors. In his homily, Bishop Mulvey reminded them that each one is given one life – and that they should try to find out what God has planned for them. He told them that when the thought of becoming a priest came to the forefront, “it didn’t become clear by thinking about it, but by living – especially living out the Gospel.” He encouraged the candidates to listen to God and His Word.
 
The Holy Spirit they would receive would strengthen them, so Bishop Mulvey. In this way, they would be able to put into practice Jesus’ words, “Take up your cross, and follow me” (Mt 16:24). “Sometimes it’s easier to follow the crowd, but we are confirmed – we are changed, we will grow.”
 
Today’s world would say to “take care of yourself – we are very me-centered,” the bishop continued. But that is not the way of the Christian.” “The Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve” (Mt 20:28). “Always see other people as more important than yourself. Be a sign in our confused and struggling world,” so the bishop.
 
He recommended them, “Say to God, ‘Use me! Say to Him, ‘I come to do hour will.’” By praying that every day, God can have the first place in our hearts.”
 
The candidates came forward with their sponsors one by one, and they were sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit. The solemn mass continued with the celebration of the Eucharist.