Two by two, confirmation candidates at Maternity BVM Parish in Bourbonnais came out of the sacristy Saturday with lit candles, placing them on the altar near the tabernacle, before the start of Mass.
Bishop Christopher Glancy anoints a student, while Br. John Eustice holds the chrism.
Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, referenced the candles as he welcomed the young people, their sponsors and families to the church.
“It’s like the candle you received at your baptism,” Bishop Glancy said, “and now you’re bringing it back and putting it on the altar as a sign that you want to be part of the light of Christ in the world.”
In presiding over the confirmation, Bishop Glancy returned to the parish where he was assigned, the first year after he was ordained priest, from 1993 to 1994.
“It’s a joy to be with you here, to celebrate confirmation,” he said.
Bishop Glancy has returned many times, including to confer the sacrament of confirmation during the pandemic.
“It’s great to see the church full again,” he said.
Bishop Glancy was joined on the altar by Viatorians on staff at the parish, including Fr. Jason Nesbit, CSV, Pastor, Fr. Moses Mesh, CSV, Parochial Vicar, and Br. John Eustice, CSV, Transitional Deacon. Together, they are carrying on the Viatorian commitment to the parish, which stretches back to the end of the Civil War.
Fr. Jason Nesbit and Fr. Moses Mesh process out of church.
Viatorians have served the people of Maternity BVM consecutively since 1865. Fr. Nesbit is the 18th Viatorian to lead the parish and serve in sacramental ministry, meaning generations of families have received the sacraments from the Viatorians. But the powerful grace from receiving the sacraments never gets old.
“When I anoint you, I’ll say, ‘Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,’ ” Bishop Glancy said. “That gift will help you live your lives as missionary disciples, proclaiming the good news of Christ.”