The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

MEMBERS of the St Mary Magdalene in Glinton's Long Island recently held what they described as an unforgettable confirmation service, as they welcomed Anglican Bishop Laish Boyd and his family to the church.

Fourteen young Bahamians were confirmed administered. Father Chester Burton, Anglican church rector, said these services are recognised as one of the seven sacraments of both the Anglican and Catholic faith.

He said candidates that take on this special experience should always express a mature commitment to Christ and the Church, so that they can receive strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer.

Moreover it is required by all candidates to express their desire to be confirmed, to declare they have been baptised and sufficiently instructed in the Christian faith and are penitent for their sins, ready to reaffirm their confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, and strengthened by His grace to live their lives in accordance with His will.

"Bishop Boyd in his sermon expressed thanks to Father Douglas for his due diligence in getting the candidates ready for this auspicious occasion. He posited that each candidate is highly valued by Almighty God and they are made exclusively distinctive in God's sight, telling them there is only one person who carries their identical fingerprint and genetic composition," said Father Burton.

The Anglican rector also gave thanks to the parents for playing an integral role in the development of each candidate, bringing them to such a crucial point in their lives.

Celebrations then carried on into a Patronal Festival held at the St Peter's Parish in North Long Island, Father Burton said church members travelled from far as Clarence Town and Seymours to attend and sing the praises of St Peter's. The evening was highlighted by a special selection by the Parish Anglican Church Women's group.

"Bishop Boyd in his feast day sermon started by asking the congregation what can be said about of St Peter's life story. There was a plethora of responses. The Bishop asserted that Peter's life teaches us some important lessons. Firstly, Peter showed a high level of commitment in the gospels in the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. He stands out as a significant figure who never faltered from his commitment to follow Jesus. Bishop Boyd encouraged the congregation during this year of intentional discipleship to make an effort to be more committed to the office and ministries that they are involved in their respective churches," said Father Burton.

Church members were taught that Peter was a leader among his brother disciples. Also, in the gospels, it shows there is a paradigm shift from him being a follower of Jesus to him being called upon as a leader in the first 12 chapters of Acts. Bishop Boyd asserted that as Christians, and Anglicans in particular, people should lead their homes and families by the example of Jesus Christ.

He concluded the service by encouraging Christians to never let the guilt of sin be the cause of not seeking or asking for forgiveness.