Blessed 10 years later

Today marks the 10th Anniversary of my sister's and my Confirmation. January 17, 2009 was the day when my older sister Susie and I received the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit and proclaimed to be soldiers for Christ, for our Faith. I had seen my older siblings be Confirmed and picked out Saint names. I knew they received oil on their forehead and wore a red sash to signify the Holy Spirit. They had evening classes for a year or more and chose a sponsor, someone who  they looked up to, and who could continue praying for them and helping them in their faith life.

Choosing my sponsor wasn't rocket science or even slightly difficult. I was inspired and knew to choose my dear sister whom I always had had a special and deep relationship with. Our connection was there long ago, and somehow mysteriously not knowing where it even started or began. But it was important and I knew something special was there, and I think the Holy Spirit was leading me. Till this day, day years later, I knew I made the right choice in choosing my sweet dear sister to be my sponsor. We have only gained in deep friendship over the years. :)

Susie and I attended classes at a parish different than our other siblings. It was known to have a better program and not to mention closer. We didn't know anyone since it wasn't our parish and we didn't go to the local high school. Susie was a year older than the other Confirmation students and I was a year younger, we secretly didn't tell anyone. I remember to be and still am very grateful to have my dear older sister experience Confirmation with me and not be alone. To have a companion throughout the process and commitment of it all was essential, and I remember talking about the various people and personalities in our classes and activities.

I decided for my Confirmation name to be Maria, after Saint Maria Goretti. Her story really captivated me and I didn't want to get too stuck on the name that I chose making it fit with my first and middle name but more so the story and message behind the saint. Maria Goretti's story was one of innocence, purity and martyrdom. At 16 years old, I knew what the world was offering and the messages out there and felt and knew that purity was something really important and something to be valued.

I'm grateful for the journey of faith I've been on and continue to be on. I have learned more about Saint Maria Goretti, and have gotten closer to my faith and the Sacraments. I think your Confirmation day isn't the end but the beginning of a deeper and more mature faith journey. Saint Maria continues to intercede for me as I learn from her as well as other saints whom I have looked up to and admire. The Holy Spirit has continued to be active in my life, and I hope to continue learning and growing in my faith and spiritual life through the wisdom and gifts of the Holy Spirit.