By Veronica Idowu

It was triple celebration for the students and management of St Anthony Grammar School (Private), Esure, Ijebu-Imusin on the 13th of June, 2019 as twenty – four (24) students received the sacrament of Confirmation and thirty-eight (38) students graduated from the school. This day was also the feast day of St Anthony of Padua, the patron Saint of the school.
The mass which started around 9:00am was celebrated by the Bishop, Most Rev Dr. Francis Obafemi Adesina assisted by the Director of Education, Rev Fr Emmanuel Matuluko; the Principal of the school, Rev Fr Jude Okafor and other priests from the institutions in the diocese and parishes around the school.

Presentation of candidates for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation was done by the Principal, Rev Fr Jude Okafor.
The Bishop in his homily, congratulated those that bear Anthony and Anthonia. He also congratulated the 38 Graduands. In a special way, he appreciated the Director of Education, Rev Fr Emmanuel Matuluko; the Principal of the school, Rev Fr Jude Okafor; the chaplain, formators and teachers who have helped the students to achieve this great height in their academics.

However, he said that Jesus promised us the Paraclete so that we would not remain orphans. He said after his confirmation, he had wanted to see the fire of the Holy Spirit come upon him but the Lord doesn’t work in science. ‘We experience the outpouring of the Holy Spirit every day of our lives. The Holy Spirit is far beyond speaking in tongues.’ Going through the gifts of the Holy Spirit – wisdom, knowledge, understanding, piety, counsel, fortitude and fear of the Lord; he gave clear explanation of these gifts.
He affirmed the students that ” you are receiving a zeal that satan cannot take away from you, if you live by the spirit, you will walk by the spirit”. In all, he admonished those present who have received the Sacrament of Confirmation to tap from the celebration and pray for a renewal of the Spirit.

Afterwards, the Bishop laid his hands on the Catechumens and anointed them with the oil of Chrism.
In gratitude to God, the newly confirmed and the Graduands with their parents, friends and well wishers danced in thanksgiving to God.
The Principal, Fr Jude Okafor, welcomed the Bishop to the school. He thanked the Director of Education, Rev Fr Emmanuel Matuluko and all the priests present for their support and love. He thanked the Sisters of St Michael the Archangel for their presence at the event. He also thanked all the invited guests and everyone present at the event. In a special way, he thanked the parents of the Graduands for choosing the school for their children.

After the mass, the classrooms renovated by the Graduands were blessed and opened by the Bishop. Congratulations to the 38 Mavericks!