Students from the Universidade Católica receive Confirmation
The University Pastoral of Porto fulfilled a dream on 6 July. In the Cathedral of Porto, it celebrated the Confirmation of 51 students, linked to movements and groups in the diocese, in an emotional ceremony presided over by the Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda. Concelebrating were Bishop Vitorino Pereira Soares, Auxiliary Bishop of Porto, Father José Pedro Azevedo, head of university pastoral care in Porto (CIMT) and chaplain of the Universidade Católica, Porto Regional Centre, Father Luis Lencastre, also linked to university pastoral care, Father José Paulo, chaplain of the Lusíada University, Fathers António Pamplona and Gonçalo Castro Fonseca from the Jesuit University Centre (CREU) and Father José Manuel from the Parish of Cristo Rei. Five students were also baptised at the same ceremony.
For the Catholic University in Porto, it was a very special day as it culminated another journey of preparation for Confirmation for 15 of its students, thus reinforcing its Catholic identity and mission.
At the end of the day, several students shared and expressed their gratitude for the unforgettable experience they had had:
Rui Neves Moreira from the Executive MBA emphasised that "The Confirmation ceremony, 30 years after my baptism, represented a very important renewal of faith for my life. I chose my baptismal godmother to accompany me on this day and it made the moment even more special. To have celebrated this moment in the Cathedral of Porto, in a ceremony with Bishop Manuel Linda, was a privilege".
Diana Barreiro, a Law graduate, said: "I've always wanted to be baptised, but I've never had the opportunity. When I found out about the programme, I confirmed my faith and love for Him, feeling blessed by this special day".
Pedro Sousa, a student, also pointed out that "the celebration of Confirmation meant for me the renewal and strengthening of my faith in God. Through Confirmation I confirmed the Holy Spirit received at baptism, cementing Catholic principles based on eternal love for God and respect for one's neighbour. Love and a big hug to my newest Confirmation Family".
The preparation journey for Universidade Católica students from different faculties was organised by the Unit for the Integral Development of the Person (UDIP) with the collaboration of Tomás Cantista, a lecturer at the Porto School of the Faculty of Law. The students were invited to get to know and deepen the central themes of Christian faith and life: the Church, Faith, Hope, Love of God and neighbour, Jesus Christ true God and true Man, the Holy Spirit and his gifts, Prayer, Commitment, Mass, Reconciliation, among other topics.
There was a promise of further meetings in the next academic year, both for those who have already been baptised and for new students who want to begin their journey of preparation.
Católica Group
General group