by Flavia Cardozo and Agnes Ferrao
KUWAIT, OCT 8, 2018: Over 100 children and their parents were present for a special liturgical service for the catechism children of standard seven of St.Therese of Child Jesus parish, Salmiya, Kuwait on October 2.
During the service, parents were asked to symbolically ‘Hand on the Faith’ to their children to encourage them to participate more fully in the faith education of their kids. Several Scripture verses in the Bible speak of faith in God being handed down from father to son to grandson.The children present were on the threshold of an important stage in their Christian growth as in two years the Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred on them. Charles Machado initiated the ceremony with a warm welcome to all present.
The Catechetical Coordinator, Francis Sam, introduced each stage of the ceremony and with the assistance of Mark Rodrigues and his family, demonstrated to the parents the process to be followed during the various parts of the liturgical service.
The parish priest, Father Pinto celebrated Holy Mass. In his welcome message and homily to the parents, he stressed the important role that they play in handing on the faith and the Word of God to their children.
Father Pinto after the homily, asked the children to share with those present what they asked for from the Church, and they replied in unison, “The Sacrament of Confirmation” because they believe in Christ. Addressing the parents he asked them if they would encourage their children’s request and if they would provide the necessary help and support to which the parents readily replied, “We do”.
Finally, addressing the catechists he asked them if they will do their best to teach these children conscientiously, show them the love of God, and help them know Christ better to which they replied, “We will.”
The first part of the ceremony was the ‘signing of the forehead and the senses’. The child faced the father while the mother stood at the back, placing her hands on the child. The celebrant then narrated a prayer before inviting the parents to trace the Sign of the Cross on the child’s forehead, ears, eyes, heart, shoulders, hands, and feet.
The second part of the ceremony involved handing the Holy Bible and the Crucifix. Each child was asked to face his/her parents. The celebrant then blessed the Bibles and Crucifixes with holy water and requested the parents to hand them to their child saying, “May the Word of God be a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.” The children then received the Holy Bible and Crucifix and kissed them reverently.
After the vote of thanks by Santhosh D’Souza, Father Pinto advised the parents to involve their children in taking the lead in family prayers such as the Rosary, the Grace before and after meals, and other family devotions.
The feedback from the parents and children was overwhelming. “The ceremony was inspirational. It helped me to learn more about the Sacrament I am preparing to receive. Holy Mass and the whole ceremony were very well coordinated,” Jason Fernandes, one of the candidates, said.
“I experienced the presence of the Lord and a greater desire to cherish the faith. It is a first step to build the faith of my child. From now on I will read the Bible with more sincerity,” Violet D’souza, a parent, said.