-
Young people from Mission St. Anthony in Pescadero pose with Father Jose Corral in the backyard of the church on Sept. 26, 2020, after receiving the sacrament of confirmation. (Photo by Zac Wittmer/San Francisco Católico)
Oct. 1, 2020
Lorena Rojas
San Francisco Católico
Between the historic building of Mission St. Anthony and the meadows bordering the church's backyard in rural San Mateo County, a group of young people from Pescadero received the sacrament of confirmation under a tent that has served as a church during the pandemic.
Father José Corral, pastor of Our Lady of the Pillar in Half Moon Bay, the parish that includes Mission St. Anthony in Pescadero, received permission from Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone to celebrate the sacrament of confirmation on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.
Father Corral told the young people to keep the light of the Holy Spirit burning in their hearts so they would never lose faith.
Epimenio Bernardino, the father of Jorge Bernardino, one of those who were confirmed told San Francisco Católico that these young people received the sacrament differently than prior to the pandemic.
“The important thing was that my son received the sacrament,” he said. "God is everywhere and the place it was properly prepared for a Mass of that solemnity.”
Around 50 people participated in the Mass, included godparents, parents and other relatives and catechists Alejandro González and Jorge Guzmán.
About 30 students are eligible to start the confirmation process for next year but only six have registered for fear of participating in groups because of COVID-19, Guzmán said. The catechists are inviting parents to have monthly confirmation classes in the church and become the catechists of their children at home.