Sunyani, August 1 – The hallowed grounds of St. James Seminary Senior High School rang with jubilation as the entire community gathered in a splendid convergence of two sacred celebrations — the school’s patronal feast and the Sacrament of Confirmation, conferred upon seventy-three young candidates who now stand sealed as soldiers of Christ.

The liturgy opened in stately procession, the faithful moving in solemn dignity into the school’s place of worship, as the atmosphere swelled with anticipation of the graces about to be poured forth. Rev. Fr. Gordon Tawiah, Vice Rector of the institution, extended a warm and gracious welcome to the Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Bishop of Sunyani and President of the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

In a moment charged with spiritual significance, the Spiritual Director of the school presented the seventy-three confirmands before the Bishop. Preaching with pastoral warmth, Bishop Gyamfi reflected eloquently on the mystery of God’s calling and the transformative power of grace at work in the life of every young Christian, a message that resonated deeply within the hearts of candidates and congregation alike.

Together, the confirmands and the assembled faithful renewed their baptismal promises, reaffirming their rejection of sin and their fidelity to Christ. Then, in a moving display of Apostolic continuity, the Bishop, joined by the priests present, laid hands upon each candidate, invoking, in that ancient and unbroken gesture, the descent of the Holy Spirit.

One by one, godparents presented their godchildren to receive the Sacred Chrism upon their foreheads, sealing each confirmand indelibly with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Amid warm applause and heartfelt congratulations, the Bishop charged the newly confirmed to approach the Sacrament of Confession on the First Friday of every month for nine consecutive months, in preparation for receiving their Confirmation certificates, and bestowed upon each a rosary, a cherished token of Marian devotion to accompany them on their journey of faith.

As the sacred rites gave way to festivity, the celebration blossomed into a vibrant showcase of culture and achievement. The spirited rhythms of the Kete dance set hearts dancing, followed by the presentation of awards honouring the school’s most distinguished students across every department, and a well-deserved recognition of the dedicated teaching and non-teaching staff whose labours sustain the institution. An appeal for funds was made to further the school’s noble mission, before the gathering rose as one to sing the school anthem with pride. The Most Rev. Bishop Gyamfi brought the day’s glorious celebrations to a fitting close with his Episcopal Benediction, sending forth seventy-three newly confirmed soldiers of Christ to bear witness to the faith in the world.

Story: Afriyie Thelma-Royal