My name is Michael and I am twelve. Last Sunday I made my Confirmation. I was confirmed by the Bishop of Meath, Michael Smith.
On the day before my confirmation, I went to Belfast with my dad, and we did a silent retreat. We prayed the Liturgy of the Hours and there was Mass. I almost managed to be silent for the whole day.
On the day of my confirmation, we had to be in the Church early, and I sat beside my dad, as he was my sponsor. I took Dominic Savio as my confirmation name. Dominic Savio was born in 1842, in Italy. He went to St Don Bosco's school in Turin. He died at the age of 15. I read the story of his life, which was written by St Don Bosco. It was very good. Dominic was a very holy boy, and he loved God very much. Dominic once stopped two school friends from fighting by standing between them holding a crucifix. I don't think that would work in my school! He said his first Holy Communion was, ".. the happiest and most wonderful day of my life". Dominic made resolutions before his first Holy Communion. He wrote his resolutions in a little book, and he reread them many times.
 |
| St Dominic Savio |
Dominic Savio's resolutions.
1. I will go to Confession often, and as frequently to Holy Communion as my confessor allows.
2. I wish to sanctify the Sundays and festivals in a special manner.
3. My friends shall be Jesus and Mary.
4. Death rather than sin.
During the Confirmation ceremony,I had to renew my baptismal promises. At Confirmation time the bishop anointed me on the forehead with the oil of chrism, and he said, "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit".
I received a relic of St Dominic Savio's clothing as a present for my confirmation. I also got some holy books, prayer cards, and money. My mam made a special dinner at home, and I ate loads, and loads of dessert.
My brother helped at my confirmation Mass. He was an altar boy. He was the bishops acolyte. He had to wear special white gloves, as he had to hold the bishops mitre.
Now that I am confirmed, I am a full member of the Catholic Church, as I have received the three sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Holy Communion, and Confirmation).
Prayer to Saint Dominic Savio
Dear Saint Dominic,
you spent your short life totally for love of Jesus and His Mother. Help youth today to realize the importance of God in their lives. You became a saint through fervent participation in the sacraments, enlighten parents and children to the importance of frequent confession and Holy Communion. At a young age you meditated on the sorrowful Passion of Our Lord. Obtain for us the grace of a fervent desire to suffer for love of Him.
We desperately need your intercession to protect today's children from the snares of the world. Watch over them and lead them on the narrow road to Heaven. Ask God to give us the grace to sanctify our daily duties by performing them perfectly out of love for Him. Remind us of the necessity of practicing virtue especially in times of trial.