On this very windy, or rather stormy day in Niigata, 9 people received sacrament of Confirmation in St. John's Parish in TERAO in Niigata city. Parish Priest of the TERAO is Fr. Tadashi Machida who just turned 78 a few days ago. Because of the strong wind this morning, we were afraid that some of the candidates might not be able to reach the parish on time since they had to travel by train from outside the city. Sure the train was delayed but they managed to reach the parish on time. After the bad train accident in Yamagata a few years ago, train company, JR, is very cautious of running train on windy days.
Strong wind on the day of confirmation is very symbolic and meaningful. As we know the existence of wind by the effects of wind, such as dust stirred up or trees trembling, and not by the physical shape of wind which is invisible, Holy Spirit is recognised by its effect through us who believe in God and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. So we are obliged to be witnesses of the Holy Spirit to others around us through our own action, words and behavior.
Congratulations for those who received the sacrament and well done for preparation of the liturgy including good performance of 2 alter boys and 2 very cute alter girls.
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