The elect undergo preparation rites for receiving Sacraments of Initiation

KOTA KINABALU – The elect across the Kota Kinabalu Archdiocese underwent the preparation rites for the reception of the Sacraments of Initiation (baptism, confirmation, Eucharist) on Holy Saturday, 26 March 2016.

The celebration of the rites began with a suitable song.  After the singing, the celebrant greeted the elect and proclaimed the gospel.  Then he gave a brief homily.  This was followed by the ephphetha rite or rite of opening the ears and mouths of the elect in order that they may hear the word of God and profess it for their salvation.

After the ephphetha rite, the elect handed back the faith to the Church by reciting the Creed together.  This prepared them for the profession of faith they will make immediately before baptism during the Easter Vigil.  It also instructed them in their duty to proclaim the message of the Gospel.

Immediately after the recitation of the Creed, the elect were anointed with the Oil of Catechumens in order to save time in the celebration of the Easter Vigil.  The anointing symbolises their need for God’s help and strength so that, undeterred by the bonds of the past and overcoming the opposition of the devil, they will forthrightly take the step of professing their faith and will hold fast to it unfalteringly throughout their lives.  The oil used for this rite was blessed by the archbishop at the Chrism Mass.

The celebration ended with a rehearsal at the baptismal pool.