“The Holy Spirit is the guide in our lives”

“What did you learn in these two years of preparation?” the bishop asked the room, where almost 60 teens awaiting their confirmation were gathered. “I learned that God is my friend,” said one boy. “I didn’t know that Jesus suffered so much for me, out of love,” answered a girl. The bishop was pleased with these answers – “Confirmation is about discovering who you are – who we are as God’s children.” And more than knowing all the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit by heart, which the confirmands also learned how to answer, it is about friendship with God.
 
While meeting with the confirmands in the chapel beforehand, Bishop Mulvey shared two episodes illustrating how the Holy Spirit operates in people’s lives. One was from last summer, when the bishop attended a conference for bishops from different denominations: “No one wanted to convince the other, or insisted on being right – we were brothers together – it is the Holy Spirit who makes that possible.” Another experience just happened that day: “During a meeting that wasn’t easy, I sensed that one person wanted to talk to me. So, I invited him to stay, and the person could pour out everything in his heart… the Holy Spirit made me aware.” After the meeting, he encouraged the confirmands to take a moment to stretch, just to let go of all the nervousness.
 
In his homily, the bishop reminded them of St. Catherine of Siena, who wrote, “If you know who you are, you can set the world on fire.” As God’s children, Bishop Mulvey continued, “we can accomplish great things.” The Holy Spirit, whom the confirmands would soon receive, is the guide in our lives. “He gives you wisdom, which no education can give you… He gives you fortitude and courage.” Many people speak now about a “new springtime in the Church” because many young people are discovering their faith or returning to it, as only God can satisfy the thirst in our souls.