Bishop’s Pastoral Visit to St. Mary’s Dutsinma: 39 Confirmed in Spirit-Filled Mass
Dutsinma, Katsina State, Nigeria – April 27, 2025
The Catholic community of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Dutsinma, was filled with joy and spiritual fervor today as they welcomed the Bishop of Katsina State for a pastoral visit that included the Sacrament of Confirmation for 39 candwelcome
The Mass began with a warm welcome from the Parish Priest, Reverend Father Amos John Bahywa, who expressed the parish’s deep gratitude to the Bishop for honoring their invitation to administer the Sacrament of Confirmation and celebrate the Holy Eucharist with them.
In his homily, the Bishop commended the parish choir for their beautiful and uplifting hymns, setting a reverent atmosphere for the celebration. He then directed his reflection towards the confirmation candidates and the entire congregation, drawing a significant connection between the sacred oils used in the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation. He reminded them of the anointing with chrism at baptism, signifying their incorporation into Christ, and highlighted the significance of the oil of chrism that would be used in the Confirmation rite to seal them with the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop then offered a profound and detailed explanation of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. He elucidated each gift with relatable examples, helping the candidates and congregation grasp their importance in living a Christ-centered life and bearing witness to the faith.
Towards the end of his homily, the Bishop shared an interesting piece of information, noting that today was originally scheduled for the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis, a young Italian boy who died at the age of 15. However, he explained that due to the recent passing and burial of the Holy Father, which occurred yesterday, the canonization ceremony would be postponed.
Following the insightful homily, the Sacrament of Confirmation was administered smoothly and reverently to the 39 candidates, who were filled with the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. The Mass continued with heartfelt thanksgiving from the newly confirmed, expressing their gratitude for receiving this important sacrament. The celebration also included the dedication of young children to the Lord, further enriching the spiritual atmosphere of the parish. The pastoral visit concluded with the Bishop’s final blessing upon the entire congregation.
By Fr. Victor Chibuzor Somadina
Communication Director