Glory to God, glory in the highest.
Glory to all people, peace on earth.

Over eleven hundred voices sang the gathering hymn.

The rite of confirmation was taking place in the Corel Center in Ottawa to commemorate the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ottawa. This center, usually the site of hockey games, had been changed to resemble a cathedral. All advertising was covered with the exception of the replay screen where the congregation could watch close-ups. A large dais was constructed on the floor on which stood an altar, chairs for clergy, stands for candles, and a lectern.

I had made the trip to Ottawa last year (1997) to be present when my 13-year-old grandson1 Adam, was confirmed. Adam's godmother, Joan, had also come from Winnipeg and we attended the event in the company of my daughter, Dawne, Adam's mother.

The service was the first of three such events, two in English with 1,200 at each to be confirmed, and one in French to confirm 2,000 candidates. There were approximately 2,000 people in the congregation at each of the services. The entrance to the center displayed banners from every parish represented.

The Most Reverend Marcel Gervais, Archbishop of Ottawa, presided and, after the opening hymn, greeted the people. Liturgy of the Word followed with the first reading from Ezechiel: I will put a new spirit in your midst. Psalm 104 was sung with the response, Send forth your spirit, O Lord, and renew the face of the earth. The second reading was from Acts, They were filled with the Holy Spirit, and finally, the Celtic Alleluia acclaimed the gospel, The Spirit of Truth who issues from the Father will be my witness.

The sacrament of Confirmation followed with Bishop Colli presenting the candidates. Archbishop Gervais then gave an address appropriate for the young people. He likened their Christian life to a ship with passengers working to become sailors, where some would ultimately become captains, referring to their Christian lives where they would not be onlookers but active participants, and eventually some would be the ones in charge. He also referred to French fries saying that just as the oil flavors the potato, the perfumed oil used in their confirmation would change them to sweet-smelling Christians.

At their reply to the question regarding renewal of baptismal promises, the Archbishop said, "That wasn't very enthusiastic". And he asked the question again. This time he got the reply, "I do!" that he wanted. With all standing, the Archbishop then administered the rite of laying on of hands, followed by anointing with Chrism. All present joined with the choirs to sing Veni Sancti Spiritus, - Come Holy Spirit.

Twenty to twenty-five priests stood before the area seating the candidates and their sponsors as ushers directed them to the floor area to be anointed by the priest. We were extremely lucky that Adam went to a priest who was directly in front of where we were seated and we could see him clearly. As his sponsor, Joan stood behind him with her right hand on his right shoulder.

Several intercessions followed with everyone singing the response, "Everlasting God, Father God, hear the prayers of Your people". The children's choir, the one Adam was in, sang as the liturgy of communion began. This service followed the customary Eucharist with prayers. Communion was given to all in attendance. It was well organized and orderly with one priest assigned to administer the sacrament to each section of the arena. Prayer, blessing and dismissal were followed by the hymn, "City of God".

This was a very impressive and moving ceremony, and Joan and I were both pleased to have been included. I'm sure Adam will always remember it. I know we shall.

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