A Foretaste of Heaven

Today we attended Confirmations followed by a Solemn High Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. A sort of foretaste of Heaven. Nathaniel, Andrew and Gabriel were given the honor of serving for the ceremony and Holy Mass.

Ecce Sacerdos Magnus...Behold a great priest who in his days pleased God; therefore with an oath the Lord hath made him great among his people. Psalm. He gave him the blessing of all peoples and hath confirmed his covenant upon his head.

In thee above photo is the processional with His Excellency Bishop Ricken, Priests and Abbe of the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest and the altar servers; Gabriel is seen here holding the Bugia Candle.


Andrew is seen here to the right just after kissing the hand of the bishop and his crosier, which he repeated over and over throughout the mass and ceremony. Lucky!


Gabriel (far right) was given the task of holding the Bugia, a candle holder with a lighted candle, held beside a bishop. After Mass, Bishop Ricken asked Gabriel how old he was. Gabriel said, "8." His Excellency said that he was the same age when he held the Bugia for a bishop. Isn't that something? WOW!


Here are all three boys together in center of photo. (Order from left to right, Gabriel ~littlest one~ followed by Andrew in center and Nathaniel to right.)

"Women have quite the imagination," so has been said by a holy priest during a talk given years ago to the Christian Mother's group. And I will add that "quite the imagination" can be used for holy moments, such as at Confirmation. This past weekend was one of those moments. Every time the Bishop anointed the confirmand and imposed his hands while saying the Latin words "Signo te signo Crucis: et confirmo te Chrismate salutis:..." it was as though that candidate was the only one present. I can still hear the expression and tone of his voice, so profound as if it were Christ Himself saying the words. There was clearly a manifestation of the Holy Ghost in the church. It became more and more noticeable by the time he got half way through the candidates. I'm surprised the doors to the cathedral didn't burst open and flood all the streets with the abundant graces being poured down! Must of been similar to what the woman felt like when Christ felt some of His virtue going out as she touched his garment. I've been to quite a few confirmations, but never one so moving. It was a glimpse into Heaven.

I also have to mention the choir sang beautifully...including a mix of sacred polyphony and chant.

Andrew (to the left of bishop) holding his crosier (staff).


Recessional with Nathaniel at far left as an Acolyte.


Recessional with Andrew and Gabriel (and friends Jerry and Stephen, who were also serving).