Argene Águila Clasara
On Pentecost Sunday, 24 May 2026, Archbishop Savio Hon Tai Fai SDB confirmed 27 young people from various English-speaking communities within the Catholic Diocese of Macau. The solemn ceremony was held in the Parish of Sé Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady. The 27 candidates who received Confirmation, and hence became new milites Christi—soldiers of Christ are the following: 19 from the Filipino Chaplaincy of the Catholic Pastoral Centre for Migrant Workers, 4 from the Parish of Sé Cathedral of the Nativity of Our Lady, and 4 from Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish. They were all prepared by their respective communities through a series of catechism formation and spiritual exercises.
Confirmation imparts the gift of the Holy Spirit. The person who receives this sacrament has already received the Holy Spirit in the sacrament of baptism, and the Holy Spirit abides with a person always. The Holy Spirit comes when a person prays or reads Scripture, or when a person asks the Holy Spirit for guidance, inspiration or courage. Confirmation is not the new arrival of the Holy Spirit, but rather an intensification of the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
During his homily, Archbishop Hon explained the richness of the liturgical action in the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and his gifts, and the beautiful ancient sequence Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) sung before the reading of the Gospel. He invited the candidates to meditate on these two gestures—the laying on of hands on each of them, which symbolises the invocation of the Holy Spirit and his gifts, as well as the anointing with the fragrant, sacred chrism that penetrates not only their skin but the innermost of their being. “Feel the pressure of the hands of the successor of the apostles on your heads. Savour the scent of chrism, be open to the Holy Spirit!”
In his reflection on the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, Archbishop Hon has emphasised that, with this outpouring, the Holy Spirit not only strengthens us in facing challenges but also accompanies us throughout our lives, allowing us to form convictions. He also encouraged the community, especially the candidates’ godparents, to accompany and pray for the candidates. Turning on the pectoral cross he is wearing for the celebration, Archbishop Hon has told the community that he always makes an effort to wear the pectoral with the relics of the Chinese martyrs, gifted to him by an abbot, whenever he confers Confirmation —“these Chinese martyrs received the same Spirit.” He then exhorted them that as they become soldiers of Christ, they should have an open heart, to cultivate piety, and persevere and be patient in facing future challenges.
Towards the end of the homily, Archbishop Hon then turned his attention to the beautiful sequence. He has emphasised three imageries that the Church have of the Holy Spirit, which are helpful in understanding the Paraclete who not only advocates for us but also defends us from the Evil One—welcome guest, sweet refreshment, and grateful coolness.
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For those interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation or in deepening their Catholic faith in English, the English Community of the Sé Cathedral is willing to accompany you.
You may reach: Miss Peggy (6362 3996)
Brother Argene (6298 6441).
You may also reach the Carmo Parish in Taipa and the Catholic Pastoral Centre for Migrant Workers.
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