Dear young people, who will receive the sacrament of confirmation,

Brothers and sisters, 

May the Lord give you peace!

Today is a special day as we gather to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation for our young people. This sacrament is a significant milestone in their faith journey, marking their commitment to live as disciples of Christ. And it’s an important moment in the life of this community, of our Latin Catholic Church in Cyprus. Thank you Father Theodorus, father Agricola and father Robert, for your service, your generosity, in serving our Latin Catholic community in Lefkosa.

But be careful, the protagonist, the one who guides not only this celebration, but also our whole life is the “Holy Spirit”. Today the Holy Spirit will confirm in our young people, the sacrament of confirmation, of the glory of the life of Jesus in them. By confirming the life of Jesus in their lives He gives them the strength to bear witness to the life of Jesus. This sacrament is not just a ritual; it is an invitation to deepen your relationship with God and to live out your faith with courage and conviction.

And the question arises: do we really believe in this? And still someone could ask: is this something automatic? Is it just a feeling? Or is it just a ritual, a liturgy?

When I arrived in Nazareth as rector of the Basilica of the Annunciation, eleven years ago. Father Theodorus arrived with me (he still had his hats on). I went to buy a car…. I don’t understand anything about cars. For me they were all the same. But a friar who understood cars told me: they are similar in appearance, but this car has a different engine… this car is powerful on climbs… when it rains…

Yes, dear young people…. The Holy Spirit is a gift that empowers you to live out your faith. Just as the apostles were transformed at Pentecost, you too are being equipped with the gifts of the Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. These gifts will guide you in making decisions, standing up for what is right, and sharing your faith with others.

          In the first reading of this Holy Mass we listened to the story from the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. The story tells us about the first disciples of Jesus, who, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, thanks to the coming of the Holy Spirit, managed to amaze the people of their time and environment! They managed to change the world. And they were not ashamed to talk about Jesus. To bear witness to the life, the words of Jesus, the Gospel of Jesus. I ask you and myself, in a clearly provocative way: “But today, who notices us Christians?”.

Jesus said to his disciples two thousand years ago, but he also repeats it to today’s disciples: “You are the light of the world, you are the salt of the earth”. But, today, who, looking at Christians, can see this light and enjoy a different “flavor” of life?

Confirmation is not the end of your faith journey; it is a new beginning. You are called to be active members of the Church, to serve others, and to be a light in the world. Whether it’s through small acts of kindness, standing up for justice, or sharing your faith with friends, you have the power to make a difference.

Always remember to thank God for His blessings and to seek His guidance through prayer. Just as you thank your priests, catechists, parents and mentors for their support, take time to thank God for His presence in your life. Prayer is your direct line to God, a way to stay connected and to draw strength from Him.

            And remember: you are not alone. The entire Church is here to support you, and the Holy Spirit is with you always. Embrace this moment, live your faith boldly, and trust that God has great plans for you. With the intercession of the Holy Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, Sant Barnabas and Saint Poul. Congratulations to all of you, and may God bless you on this incredible journey of faith… amen