Salisbury Confirmation
I was very fortunate to attend the confirmation service at Salisbury Cathedral on 15 April 2010 where twenty-four members of Holy Trinity joined another 26 candidates from other parishes.
The service started at the back of the church at the West Doors. Then the Vicar presented the candidates to the Bishop, one at a time. The Pascal Candle was lit and the candidates moved to the font where everyone was to renew his or her baptismal vows. The Bishop had great enjoyment holding one man’s head under the water for rather a long time, bringing laughter to everyone. Then we all moved under the Spire, where the Bishop anointed the candidates with oil which had been blessed at the Chrism Service on Maundy Thursday. The candidates were presented with a candle before following the Bishop out of the Cathedral; taking the Message out through the West Doors, which are opened only for special occasions. A wonderful day for all of us.
Earlier in the afternoon I met in a group of 14 with Bishop Graham discussing how we became to be confirmed, how it had changed us, did we/others recognize we had the fruits of the spirit, how did we use the fruits, and could we see what journey we were to take and were there others there to help us.
Eleanor Dymott
20 May 2010