“You are temples of the Holy Spirit, set apart for a purpose,” Archbishop Richard Smith told hundreds of Grade 7 students during his homily at this year’s Spirit Day, the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s annual youth rally.
The two-day event, held Nov. 8 and 9 at Chandos Pattison Auditorium in Surrey, drew young people from parishes across the Archdiocese as they prepared for the Sacrament of Confirmation. Designed to “ignite the fire of the Holy Spirit,” Spirit Day featured talks by Catholic speaker Maggie Craig, praise and worship music, skits by local youth, and Holy Mass celebrated by Archbishop Smith.
Holding a small vessel of sacred chrism, the Archbishop explained its significance in the Church’s life. “Chrism is used in Confirmation, but also in other moments,” he said. “The common reason is to indicate dedication — being set apart for a particular purpose.”
When a church is dedicated, chrism is poured on the altar and used to mark the walls, signifying that the building is set apart for worship. “Chrism marks what belongs to God,” he said.
Archbishop Smith drew a connection between the dedication of sacred spaces and the Sacrament of Confirmation. He reminded the youth that they too will be anointed with chrism and “sealed with the Holy Spirit.”
“At baptism, you were washed clean and anointed, becoming a temple — the dwelling place of God. At Confirmation, you are strengthened for a purpose: to make Jesus known in the world,” he said.
In a world marked by anxiety and fear, the Archbishop emphasized the need for hope. “People are looking for something stable. That something stable is Jesus,” he said. “You have a wonderful purpose in life. You are set aside by God for his mission.”
Reflecting on the Gospel, where Jesus cleanses the temple in Jerusalem, Archbishop Smith invited the faithful to see themselves as temples of the Holy Spirit. “Jesus comes to cleanse this temple — not with whips and cords, but with love, mercy, and forgiveness,” he said. “He’s gentle and loving. We don’t need to fear him.”
As Spirit Day concluded, Archbishop Smith encouraged young people to pray daily for strength and renewal. “Ask Jesus to cleanse you and give you courage for your mission,” he said. “And for those already confirmed, remember your calling: to announce his love and salvation to the world.”
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