On most mornings at 8.30am BST, I join morning prayer via livestream. The church I join with St Martin’s-in-the-fields, Trafalgar Square, London.
At the close of the service recently, the upcoming date for Confirmation was published.
What is Confirmation?
‘Confirmation is a special church service in which a person confirms the promises that were made when they were baptized’.
The Church of England
My own Baptism and Confirmation were within a year, as I was baptised as an adult.
The Memory
As I sat listening to the details this morning, not unusually, I thought of my late father. Most of my family were present for my Confirmation back in the early 90s. A service led by the Diocesan Bishop.
We weren’t a church going family. And although as always immaculately dressed, my father looked a little uncertain. As the packed congregation were invited to approach the alter rail, to take Communion during the service. Kneeling at the steps on the rich blue carpet and kneelers.
The white translucent spherical wafer gently placed in his hand. I observed from a pew, as we Confirmation candidates had already taken the Eucharist. He hesitated. Will he/won’t he? I hoped, but he didn’t eat it. He surreptitiously popped it into the lefthand jacket pocket of his finely pressed navy blue suit. I’m not sure if he took the wine.
I wonder how long that wafer remained in his pocket? (As a Nazareth Companion, we consider wonderings as opposed to questions.)
Closing Thoughts
My father always respected my faith. And I so appreciated that. Not objecting to me saying grace at family gatherings. But he never wished to participate in faith life itself. Well not publicly anyway, in private I don’t know. He always had a huge heart for everyone and anyone. Something that stays with me always.
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Have a blessed day⚘
A few of my latest posts…
- May – ME Awareness Month
- Thoughts of Family on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
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- Comparison – the Thief of Joy
- Happy Easter
Hope found in M.E. 
Is your name Penny? What does the M.E. stand for? I related to your message here about your dad’s hesitancy to take the wafer, about his reluctance to show signs of his faith, but your reluctance to write that off as if he did not believe. Perhaps he had his own very private relationship with his Creator. My dad did, too. I was with him when he breathed his last breaths. He was able to hear (hearing is the last of our senses to go)… and I asked him to blink if I would see him in Paradise. He blinked!
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Yes, my name is Penny. As noted at the close of each of my posts & on my website.
ME stands for the neurological condition Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic fatigue syndrome. You can read about the condition here. https://hopefoundinme.com/my-story-with-mecfs/
Thank you for sharing that you can relate. And your precious last moments with your father.
My father passed away unexpectedly many years ago. The absolute worst day. I was not there to see him blink his last. Did I wish I had been? I don’t know. But prayed over him when he was dead. And almost had to be dragged away from his side. We don’t do vigil in the UK. I can understand why many countries do.
I have experienced further great loss since. It is not new to me, or how end of life can manifest.
Everyone’s faith is between them & God. Some openly stated, or unstated or unknown. It really is God’s knowledge to know. Is it comforting if I do know for all folk I hope for? I trust in God’s goodness.
Thanks again.
Peace be with you.
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Peace be with you, too. Thank you for the thoughtful response to my questions, Penny. ❤️👍🏽
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