The role of sponsors is important and precious in the life of confirmands. A special day was therefore organized by the Archdiocese of Montreal so that confirmands and their sponsors could come and experience a “privileged moment of prayer and playful activities.” 

Several hundred confirmands and their sponsors took part in these days specially dedicated to them. The events took place at the Mary Queen of the World Cathedral but were also broadcast on Zoom. This voluntary activity, which was part of their journey towards confirmation, was spread over two Saturdays and two Sundays, April 23, 24, 30 and May 1, twice in English and twice in French. 

Art to make us feel the Holy Spirit
The events began with a beautiful dance choreographed and performed by Claire Campbell and Anja Fansalu, welcoming the congregation. On the altar, large light veils moved through the dancers' movements, recalling the breath of the Holy Spirit, accompanied by a meditative chant. Their expressive creativity delighted the eyes and soul, making the invisible action of the Spirit visible, as Archbishop Lépine noted later in one of his speeches. He compared the presence and action of the Spirit to the wind, which we recognize by the movements and effects it generates rather than seeing it with our eyes.

Bishop Alain Faubert and Archbishop Christian Lépine took turns accompanying the event, answering questions from the young people, offering their presence and blessing the small crosses received by each of the confirmands. Several topics were discussed, including the gifts of the Spirit, how one should fear God, and the place of the Holy Spirit in the historical roots of the creation of Ville-Marie (Montreal). 

A few excerpts from the Gospels on the Holy Spirit nourished this meeting. It was a wonderful opportunity to encourage the exchange between the confirmands and their sponsor, helping to further develop their relationship. They were able to discuss how they would walk together through life: the sponsors’ attention to the faith journey of their godchild, and the confirmands naming how they would best feel accompanied. Together, they wrote a prayer on a small paper flame, which was also emailed to the Montreal Archdiocese as part of the on-going synodal process.

Other playful, creative activities brightened up this inspiring meeting of confirmands and their sponsors, notably a great choral reading of the Pentecost from the Book of Acts, and an activity of creating living statues (with one's body), representing the gifts of the Spirit.

The events concluded with a time of reflection as the sponsors laid their hands on their godchild, praying for them. Then, another beautiful choreographed dance brought the gathering to a close.

The event was organized by the diocesan team of the office for Faith Education in collaboration with Marinella Montanari, director of Jobel-Art for the Earth.