By Olivia Obijiaku
Candidates for confirmation have been admonished to bear authentic witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ, as guided by the Holy Spirit. The Catholic Bishop of Zaria, Most Rev. Dr. Habila Tyiakonaboi Daboh gave the charge in Zaria, prior to the administration of the Sacrament of Confirmation on the candidates, orienting that the Sacrament they were about to receive would solidify the grace of their baptism, strengthen their identity as children of God and bring them closer to the Church, among other benefits.
The local ordinary who acknowledged the difficulties that witnesses encounter while living as followers of Christ, implored them to remain firm and steadfast, till the very end, so that they may remain wholly glued to Christ, as His active soldiers. He catechized that as soldiers of Christ, they are not expected to fight with physical weapons, but with the virtues of truth, love, courage, and holiness.
“My dear candidates for Confirmation.” His Lordship beckoned. “Today you are being sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the Church calls you to a new maturity in your Christian life. In the Catholic Church, Confirmation is not only a ceremony. It is a sacrament that strengthens the grace of your Baptism, roots you more deeply as children of God, unites you more firmly to Christ, and binds you more closely to the Church.”
“Through the anointing with chrism, you are marked as belonging totally to Christ. You receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, so that your faith may not remain weak or passive, but become living, active, and fruitful. Because of this, the Church has always described those who are confirmed as soldiers of Christ, not soldiers who fight with weapons, but with truth, love, courage, and holiness.”
“You are called to stand firm in your faith, especially in a world that may question, ridicule, or even oppose Christian values. Do not be ashamed of who you are. Speak the truth with charity, defend your faith with knowledge, and live your beliefs with conviction. When others compromise, you must stand; when others are silent in the face of wrong, you must be courageous. The Holy Spirit you receive today is not a decoration; it is your strength for the battles of life.”
“Remember that being a soldier of Christ does not mean you walk alone. The same Spirit who descends upon you today will guide you, strengthen you, and remind you of all that Christ has taught. Remain close to God through prayer, the Eucharist, and the life of the Church. Choose friends who support your faith, and be a light to those who are weak or searching. Let your life become a witness that faith is not a burden, but a source of joy and strength.”
Bishop Daboh who prayed that they may be true soldiers of Christ told them that, thenceforth, much would be expected of them, because such have been given to them. He nudged them to stand firm, remain faithful, and let their lives boldly proclaim Christ wherever they find themselves.
