This weekend, Wells Cathedral was filled with joy and celebration as more than 120 people from across the diocese were confirmed. The candidates, from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds, were joined by a large congregation of family members, friends, and church community supporters who travelled from near and far to witness this special moment in their faith journey. At the end of the service Bishop Michael said, “It has been extraordinary to be here in Wells Cathedral as we have confirmed more than 120 people, each of them here because their Christian journey has brought them to a new place, of commitment, of love of God and a willingness to serve God in the world and we have just been so proud of everyone that we have been with today.”
Confirmation is a special service in which a person affirms the promises made on their behalf at baptism. By choosing to be confirmed as a young person or adult, an individual takes these promises upon themselves. Earlier this week some of those who were confirmed on Saturday, shared their journey of faith.
The service, held in Wells Cathedral, marked a profound milestone for the candidates as they reaffirmed their commitment to their Christian faith. Bishop Michael presided over the confirmations, welcoming the candidates into deeper fellowship with the Church and encouraging them to continue growing in their spiritual lives.
Bishop Michael and Honorary Assistant Bishops in the Diocese of Bath and Wells, the Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern, the Rt Revd Christopher Foster and the Rt Revd Nigel Stock welcomed the candidates, they said, “We feel honoured that so many people from so many parishes and schools have decided they want to be here today to make this very public profession of Christian faith.”
Bishop Alastair, who was preaching at the service, encouraged those being confirmed to step forward to make a difference in God’s world. He spoke of a commitment to place, prayer, and poetry. And encouraged everyone to share their faith in the places where they live, to seek God’s guidance in making a difference, and to let the poetry of worship touch their hearts, enlighten their understanding, and strengthen their faith.
The atmosphere in the cathedral was one of unity and support, with one Confirmation candidate commenting, “It’s such a huge step in my Christian faith. I was baptised last week, so it is solidifying everything. As someone who has come from an atheist family, it feels like I have been welcomed as part of the Christian family,”
It was a day to remember, both for the candidates and for the many who gathered to share in their joy.
You can see more photos from the day on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.