by Presley Andrade for BISMumbai

LONAVALA, September 27 — St Joseph’s Parish Church in Lonavala witnessed a solemn yet vibrant celebration on September 27, Saturday afternoon, as seven aspirants of Don Bosco Lonavala received the Sacrament of Confirmation during a High Mass at 4 p.m. Bishop Lourdes Daniel, former bishop of Nashik, administered the sacrament before a packed congregation of families, teachers, and parishioners.

 The candidates, all pursuing senior or higher secondary studies, are discerning their vocation to the Salesian religious order. They included Neal from St John Bosco, Borivali; Antonio from St Michael, Anjuna; Claron from Our Lady of the Sea, Uttan; Enoch from Our Lady of Grace Cathedral, Papdy, Vasai; Alroy from the Church of the Holy Ghost, Nandakhal, Virar; Ankit from St Michael, Shurimat, Ranapur; and Joechrist from Rosary Church, Mazagaon.

 The Sacrament of Confirmation, one of the seven sacraments of Catholic life, completes baptism and strengthens believers with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. It marks the passage from adolescent belonging to adult participation, commissioning candidates to live their faith with courage, maturity, and responsibility.

 The parish community of St Joseph’s played a central role in hosting the event. Parish priest Father Elias Rodriguez welcomed the Salesians and families, while Father Blany Pinto, Director of Don Bosco Lonavala, coordinated the occasion with precision. The parish choir led the liturgy in song, lifting the celebration with a sense of unity and reverence.

 One by one, the seven aspirants came forward as Bishop Daniel anointed their foreheads with chrism, sealing them with the cross. Each gave a clear and firm “Amen,” witnessed by parents, relatives, and parishioners who followed the rite with deep attentiveness. Many recalled their own confirmation, while recognising that the Church’s mission is renewed in every new generation.

 In his homily, Bishop Daniel described Confirmation as the sacrament of courage and witness, encouraging the aspirants to live their vocation with conviction.

 The celebration did not end at the altar. In the evening, Don Bosco Lonavala hosted a felicitation for the newly confirmed aspirants and their parents, followed by a festive supper coordinated by Father Vivian D'Souza, marking the day with joy and gratitude.