By: Esi Ejoh
In a vibrant celebration of faith, unity, and spiritual growth, seventy-three (73) young Catholics received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Holy Cross Parish in Brufut on Sunday, July 20.
The ceremony was presided over by His Lordship, Bishop Dr. Gabriel Mendy, C.S.Sp., the Bishop of the Diocese of Banjul, and marked one of the largest Confirmation events in the parish in recent years.
Hosted on the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C), the occasion was not only a major spiritual milestone for the confirmands but also a deeply moving moment for the entire parish community. The Mass readings from Colossians 1:24–28 and Luke 10:38–42 highlighted themes of spiritual responsibility and choosing what truly matters drawing a powerful connection to the sacrament being celebrated.
Parish Priest Rev. Fr. Victor Ndekku led the local arrangements and liturgical preparations, supported by guest priest Rev. Fr. Kelvin Ugwu, MSP. The celebration was characterized by solemn prayer, joyful music, and spirited participation from the congregation.
In his homily, Bishop Mendy called on the faithful to deepen their relationship with Christ through action and service. “As Christians, we must reflect Christ in how we live, speak, and treat others,” he said. “Confirmation is not just a ceremony it is a commitment to live as mature Christians, strengthened by the Holy Spirit.”
The chief shepherd of the Catholic Church in The Gambia, continues to strengthen its roots by empowering the next generation of believers that the Sacrament of Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church. While Baptism introduces a person into the Christian community, Confirmation completes and strengthens that grace. It confers the gifts of the Holy Spirit wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord enabling the faithful to live boldly and witness to Christ in the world.
“Today, these 73 young people are not just confirmed; they are commissioned,” Bishop Mendy continued. “They become soldiers for Christ, ready to stand up for truth, justice, and faith in a world that often challenges those values.”
The responses from the confirmands reflected the depth of their spiritual experience. Victor Gomez, beaming with energy, described the day as life-changing. “I am a soldier for Christ now,” he said, dancing joyfully outside the church. “I feel stronger in my faith.”
Emily Mendy shared a more reflective reaction: “I’m filled with the Holy Spirit. I want to let my life be the message, to live positively and show others that God is real through how I treat people.”
Another confirmand, Edith Jarju, expressed gratitude and hope: “I’m happy to receive this holy sacrament. I believe the Holy Spirit will guide and enlighten me as I grow in my faith.”
The event brought together families, friends, and well-wishers from across the community. It also served as a powerful reminder of the role of the youth in the Church’s future. Many parishioners, moved by the message and the energy of the confirmands, echoed Bishop Mendy’s call for deeper involvement in Church life, especially among the laity.
It was a moment of grace and hope not just for the confirmands but for the entire Holy Cross Parish.
The mass ended with His Lordship blessing the faithful, it was a moment of grace and hope not just for the confirmands but for the entire Holy Cross Parish.
