It was a wonderful initiative on the part of the catechetical accompanier, Sister Cynthia Azughara, DHS, to plant, with her 47 candidates for the sacraments of Baptism, First Communion and Confirmation, a few flowers as symbols of love and joy. This beautiful gesture was performed on the last day of the Easter octave, Saturday 26 April, which coincided with the funeral of Pope Francis!
Each candidate had a pot in which their flower was planted: using their hands to touch the earth reminded them of the virtue of humility. Adding water to the soil evoked the sprinkling of water that brings freshness and growth to the plant, just as the water of baptism gives new life in the Church. The manure mixed with the earth indicated that faith must be nourished by prayer and good deeds if we are to become full-fledged children of God, committed disciples of Christ. Each candidate took the time to look at, admire and appreciate these magnificent flowers, gifts of nature that add a special beauty to the church environment.
Then, in conclusion, the reflection was linked to the life of the Holy Father, Pope Francis, who launched the encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ to help people respect and give more life to the earth. The candidates felt that the Pope was leaving a great legacy to his children, a legacy that will never be erased!
Puisse notre foi en Dieu grandir au fur et à mesure que nous regardons les fleurs pousser ! Notre désir est que les fleurs atteignent une belle croissance, tout comme nous souhaitons que notre amour pour Dieu grandisse.
Sister Patience Effiong DHS – Published on 7 May 2025
