By Social Communications

Published on January 31, 2025

TANAY, RIZAL – The San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish in Tanay, Rizal celebrated Kumpilang Bayan (a parish-wide Confirmation) on January 30, a significant sacrament that strengthens the faith, love, and hope received during Baptism.

The sacrament of Confirmation is an essential step in the spiritual journey, where individuals receive the Holy Spirit to deepen their commitment to Christ and the Church.

This marks a deeper connection with the Catholic faith, empowering the faithful to live out their beliefs with courage and dedication.

The ceremony was led by Rev. Fr. Ferdinand Delatado, the parish priest, who guided the confirmands through this sacred rite.

Alongside the confirmation, the First Communion of students was also celebrated, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual growth.

The day was a double blessing, as both young confirmands and first communicants received these essential sacraments of initiation into the Church.

In his homily, Fr. Delatado encouraged the students with a simple yet powerful message: “May apat na salita na nais kong tandaan ninyo mga bata: Food, Friend, Faith, Family. Aantayin ko kayo tuwing Linggo na magsimba. Mga magulang, bilang isang pamilya, sama-sama po tayong magsimba tuwing araw ng Linggo bilang pasasalamat sa lahat ng biyayang pinagkakalooban sa atin ng Panginoon.”

The message emphasized the importance of family, faith, and community in the life of every Catholic, encouraging both children and parents to make Sunday Mass a weekly family tradition as an expression of gratitude to God.

The Kumpilang Bayan and First Communion celebrations were a beautiful reminder of the deepening faith of the parish community, as they continue their spiritual journey together in the Church.