Confirmed in Faith, Living the Gospel

Confirmed in Faith, Strengthened by the Spirit

This is the time of year when I spend a good amount of time traveling throughout the Diocese to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation at our parishes, and it is a joy for me. Each year, when I gather with young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation, I find myself returning to a very simple starting point in their faith journey. Their Baptism.

During my Confirmation homilies, I remind the confirmandi that this moment is part of a journey that began when they were baptized, when they first received the gift of faith. For many of them, that happened when they were infants, carried by parents and godparents who made promises on their behalf. Since that time, that faith has been nurtured and sustained by families, parish communities, and teachers who have helped it grow, often in quiet and unseen ways.

I share with the confirmandi that they would not be standing there on the day of their Confirmation if that faith had not taken root in their lives. Something within them has led them to this moment. Faith is not simply an idea, but it is a gift that has been given and received, and now it calls for a response.

That is why the renewal of Baptismal promises is such an important part of the celebration. What was once spoken for them is now spoken by them. When they are asked, “Do you believe?” and they respond, “I do,” it is no longer their parents’ voice but their own voice and commitment. It is a simple exchange, but a meaningful one. In those words, they claim the Church’s faith as their own and accept the responsibility that comes with it.

From there, we turn our attention to the gift of the Holy Spirit..

Photos clockwise from top left: St. Gabriel the Archangel,  St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and St. Joseph, Guardian of the Holy Family Parish.  

During those Confirmation Masses, I often reflect on what happened when the Spirit came upon the apostles. They were no longer the same. Something changed. The fear and uncertainty that had once held them back gave way to courage, clarity, and purpose. The Spirit became the force that moved them outward, sending them into the world to live and share the Gospel. That same Spirit is given to those being confirmed.

I remind the confirmandi that this is not simply a ritual or a moment to complete a Sacramental requirement. It is an invitation to be changed. The Holy Spirit enters their lives, guiding, strengthening, and helping them become more fully who they are called to be as disciples of Jesus Christ.

And so I ask them a simple question: What will be different?

May 1: Walk for Life at La Salette Shrine

I want to extend an invitation to you to join people of life for the Third Annual Diocesan Walk for Life on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette in Attleboro.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. and includes the Rosary for Life, a keynote by Rev. Josemaria M. Barbin, F.I., followed by a Mass that I will celebrate, a prayer walk, and time for Adoration and Confessions, concluding by 2:30 p.m.

This is a free, prayer-filled event. Bring your walking shoes and a bagged lunch, and please register in advance here. 

May God Bless you,

+Bishop da Cunha