175th Anniversary Mass

Excitement is evident for family and friends of confirmation candidates

Lucy Rocha, left, and Mirna Catalan pose for a picture before the anniversary celebration. Rocha was the confirmation sponsor for Catalan, one of 35 Hispanics from Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis who were confirmed during the 175th anniversary Mass on May 3. (Photo by John Shaughnessy)

By John Shaughnessy

One after another, more than 2,800 youths and adults stepped forward, publicly and humbly committing themselves to their Church and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

And for each person who received the sacrament of confirmation during the 175th anniversary celebration of the archdiocese on May 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, there was at least one friend or family member who beamed as a loved one made that commitment.

Emilio Catalan glowed with love and pride as he watched his wife, Mirna, take her place among the rows and rows of people who waited to be confirmed.

“This is good for a lot of people,” said Catalan, a member of Holy Spirit Parish in Indianapolis. “I love the Church, and I’m really excited for my wife. She’s excited, too. She’s worked hard for this.”

That excitement seemed to especially overflow among the contingent from Holy Spirit Parish, a group of nearly 90 members that included about 35 Hispanic adults receiving the sacrament.

“This is awesome,” said Benedictine Sister Joann Hunt, the parish’s director of religious education, as she considered the gathering of about 25,000 Catholics from across the archdiocese.

“This must be what heaven is like. You see all your friends, and you’re going to meet the Lord.”

Mirna Catalan felt that glow on her confirmation day.

“It’s good,” she said with a smile. “I feel very happy because I’ve found the way of Jesus Christ and confirmed my faith.”

Her joy was shared by her sponsor, Lucy Rocha.

“I think this is the best gift God has given me, calling me to be a sponsor,” Rocha said. “I have been working very hard to teach Hispanic people about our faith. It’s important to me to leave something for the next generation, to help them follow in God’s way.”

Deacon William Jones had a similar reaction as the confirmation sponsor for Nick Shanks of St. Bartholomew Parish in Columbus.

“I think that confirmation and baptism, any time you can participate in those, and be asked to participate, it’s an honor,” Deacon Jones said.

Nick feels humbled and inspired after being confirmed. He believes the sacrament has built his faith for the future.

“When you’re older, you’re going to be faced with more responsibility, and you’re going to have more problems and challenges,” Nick said. “If you just have faith in God, then he’s going to help you get through it.”

It was the main theme of a special day. †

 

(Related: Purchase photo reprints of some of those confirmed during the Mass)