On receiving the sacraments and fully entering the Catholic faith

(Editor’s note: The following is a personal testimonial from Andrew Isidore Calderon, who at the age of 80 was among the dozens of new Catholics initiated into the faith during Easter Vigil Masses throughout the Diocese of Buffalo April 19, 2025. His story was featured in a previous article on WNYCatholic.org.)

It was a long journey toward my decision to join the Catholic Faith. Looking back, I wish I had done it sooner. But as they say, everything in God’s timing.

After completing my Order of Christian Initiation journey, my celebration began with the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday at St. Stephen Church in Grand Island. I was selected to have my feet washed. I felt like I was actually sitting at the table with Jesus and the Apostles. I was also asked to carry and present the oil of the catechumen. How appropriate, I thought. Another blessing from the Lord.

After Mass, I went home and watched “The Passion of Christ” to better understand what Jesus sacrificed out of love for me.

On Good Friday, I attended the solemn services. As I listened to the Passion, I heard it with different ears. As I prayed before the cross, I did so with a deeper understanding and love for Jesus’ sacrifice for me.

And then there was what I was anxiously awaiting … Easter Vigil Mass. After the lighting of the fire and the blessing of the water, we processed into the main church. 

Then the Mass with all the readings began.  I sat there, anxiously waiting.  And then … 

First was the sacrament of baptism. My stepson, Michael, was my sponsor. With his hand on me, I asked for the sacrament of baptism. I was anointed, and then I had the Holy Water poured over my head in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  The water was cold on my head, but I felt warm inside. I then proceeded to the front of the altar where I awaited those who were also being baptized.

Next, we stood there with our sponsors; hands were placed upon our heads, again anointed. Then we each received the Holy Spirit in confirmation. As I was confirmed, I felt sunshine all around me. I was surrounded by a bright light.

All of us then returned to our seats and Mass continued. I participated in Mass in a new way, but I admit I was anxious for my next sacrament to be conferred. I was so hungry to receive the Body and the Blood of Jesus. I realized how long I had been hungering to be fed. And then, I was finally being fed. I felt as if I was at the Last Supper sharing the true Body and Blood of my Lord Jesus. Alleluia!

This journey of mine has been a long one. But I trust in God and His timing. And I am so very grateful I answered His Invitation. But my journey continues. I look forward to learning more about my Catholic Faith, to grow in it, and to practice it. I am finally home.