Catholics, who gathered at the St Agnes Parish in Nabua, Suva, yesterday were reminded of the teachings of the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, on the need to respond to the signs of the times now.

The church’s Archdiocese of Suva’s Vicar-General Father Suluo Turagakacivi made this statement while preaching to the congregation at the church during the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation.

Sixty-five members of the church were confirmed during the mass yesterday. The Confirmation also coincided with the celebration of the solemnities of the Feast of St Peter and St Paul, two of the disciples in the bible.

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments which Catholics pass through in the process of their religious upbringing.

According to the Catholic doctrine, in this sacrament they are sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened in their Christian life.

“We need vibrant, active, proactive, live, committed and effective Christians not Sunday Catholics but those who are able to go out and spread the gospel,” Father Suluo said.

“The joy of celebrating the solemnities today signifies how the Christians and the Catholic kept their faith throughout the centuries despite the sufferings, the pain, the setbacks, the obstacles and other common issues that rose from within the church and also outside.

“The church still prevails because it’s not born out from flesh and blood, from human experience or knowledge but by the power of the Holy Spirit and the Catholic Church proudly holds the teachings that govern the church.”

This, he said had been the mission and the vision of Pope Francis.

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