Friday, October 8, 2010

Veni, Sancte Spiritus!

The scent of chrism oil still lingers on her forehead. Inhaled in deep breaths, it magically whisks me back to that time that feels so long ago when I held all of her in my arms and drew in that delightful aroma mixed with baby powder and white lace. 
And the longing stirs...
 Shortcake with her favorite heavenly friend and now, Confirmation patron, St. Francis!
 Check out the sandals! My little Franciscan!
(She only wore them for this picture in the yard.)
The Bishop gave an excellent homily that reinforced everything we had been teaching her in her preparation. It's so nice to get backed up by a Bishop! Confirmation is not graduation from religious education! It doesn't meant that the child now knows everything about the faith and is an adult in the church. It is the completion of the reception of the Holy Trinity beginning with God the Father's love in Baptism followed by the reception of the Real Presence of God the Son in Holy Communion. Confirmation means being sealed with the gift of God the Holy Spirit and promising to be a witness of Christ's Gospel to the world. Even though it was late and very crowded in the tiny little church, His Excellency was lively and engaging and seemed really delighted to be there!

Today, well... we're pretty exhausted. I think a trip to the library might be all we can muster so that we can collapse on couches and call it a day!

18 comments:

  1. Have you seen the book, "The Song of Francis and the Animals" by Pat Mora? The woodcut illustrations are wonderful.

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  2. What a wonderful day! Many happy thoughts and prayers to Shortcake on her special day. And congratulations to Mom and Dad for being wonderful examples in her sacramental preparations!

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  3. Oh, how wonderful! I'm so thrilled for Shortcake and your entire family.

    I wish we did Confirmation younger here. :)

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  4. Deo gratias!

    Shortcake is glowing!

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  5. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

    Congratulations Shortcake!

    Saint Francis of Assisi,
    Pray for us!

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  6. Congratulations, Shortcake! God bless you.

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  7. Congratulations, Shortcake! You're a big girl in the Church now!

    And if you don't mind, I'll be collecting a hug in one short week. So consider yourself forewarned.

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  8. Oh, Miss Margaret, she is my best hugger!!! She is strong enough to squeeze you in two, so now you are forewarned! :)

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  9. Congratulations dear Shortcake on your special day! St. Francis is a perfect partron for such a gentle, caring girl. Love, The Stirlings

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  10. Congrats to Shortcake and to you! What a wonderful day.

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  11. So wonderful. What a blessed day.

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  12. Oh such a beautiful day!! Congratulations! I personally love the sandals idea!!

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  13. Congratulations, Shortcake! You are are beautiful young lady!!!

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  14. She is lovely! Congratulations, Shortcake!

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  15. Congratulations to your sweet little one! I think I know where she received her Confirmation (far from you, yes?). I knew several other Confirmandi and their families! Hugs to you all!

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  16. My goodness, but she looks radiant - clearly pleased with the events of the day. In my neck of the woods, Confirmation is a jr. high/high school sacrament, so my 8th grader is just preparing now - having chosen the Blessed Mother as her patron. I was surprised to see such a young Confirmand! Congratulations!

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  17. Oh, Wow! I can't believe I missed this. Congratulations to Shortcake -- We have a heavenly mutual friend in St. Francis; he's my Confirmation saint, too. &:o)

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