
CV NEWS FEED // The Diocese of Bridgeport, Connecticut is getting ready to welcome almost 200 men and women into the Church this Easter.
The Diocese celebrated a special Rite of Election on February 18 for the catechumens—those who are not yet baptized—and the candidates—those who are baptized but have not made their First Communion or been confirmed.
The Rite of Election, which dates back to the ancient Church, gave the catechumens and candidates an opportunity to “demonstrate their wish to become fully initiated members of the Catholic Church through a series of questions and responses before the congregation,” according to a report from the diocese.
Bishop Frank Caggiano told the catechumens and candidates that he is “so thankful” that they are joining the Church at Easter.
“You, my dear friends who are the Elect—the catechumens and the candidates—you have been discerning what the Lord wants from you, and I am so thankful that you have followed the prompting of the spirit in your heart,” Caggiano said, according to the diocese.
After a reading from the Gospel of Mark, which told the story of Jesus’ temptation in the desert, Caggiano said that the time Jesus spent in the desert is similar to a “process of purification” that the catechumens and candidates will now be undergoing for the rest of their lives.
“You have gone through a process of purification to learn the truth of the faith and to dedicate yourselves to deliver the truth every moment of our lives,” he said. “You are also trying to purify your will so you may see goodness and to live a life of virtue obedient to follow the example of Christ himself.”
“I commend all of you who are here, for God has chosen you,” he continued. “He has elected you before you are elected by us. He has chosen you, not because you are perfect, but simply because he loves you.”
Candidate Christ Santana told the diocese that he is “very ready” to be fully welcomed into the Church.
“I… feel blessed for the opportunity,” he said. “I am lucky to have this gift of life, and I want to serve. I will take this opportunity that God gave me and serve others.”
