Last week I was thrilled to attend a confirmation for the first time in 2 years.  Every confirmation service is special because we have the wonderful opportunity to welcome new Christians as members of the body of Christ.  This is the time when a person confirms their own belief in the saving power of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  The candidates are making a statement of faith which their parents and godparents made on their behalf when they were still a baby or small child.  Every confirmation candidate is special, both to their family and in the eyes of God, and confirmation provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that special relationship.

Last week was even more remarkable because after all the challenges and disappointments of the pandemic, we were able to travel to Norway for this confirmation of a family member.  The event had been postponed at the start of the year from May 2021 because of Coronavirus, and as this summer progressed, I really thought it might be delayed again or at the very least, we might be unable to travel to attend it. 

Confirmation is a big occasion in Norway.  It is generally the time when Norwegian young women acquire their own bunad (or Norwegian national dress) to wear for the first time.  The outfit consists of black skirt, apron and waistcoat, all decorated with elaborate embroidery, a white blouse with filigree silver brooches, and a highly ornate silver belt.  The outfit is completed with distinctive black shoes.  Although there is an equivalent outfit for men, I have not seen any young men choose to wear it at confirmation ceremonies, and only spotted a handful of older men wearing it on formal occasions.  Most girls continue to wear their national costume for the rest of their lives on all special occasions such as other people’s weddings, confirmations or on Norway’s National Day on 17^th May.  The outfit makes for very fine photographs.

I was delighted that we were able to attend the confirmation ceremony at a white-painted wooden church on a beautiful autumn day in the stunning Sognefjord.  For the first time in 18 months, we were able to sing freely, without masks on, and to take part in this confirmation service, admittedly socially distanced on alternate pews.  I had a feeling of unreality as we sat in a church in Norway, with the sunshine streaming in through the clear glass, and a strong sense that the Holy Spirit is with us in every place, but especially at this moment of grace and blessing.

The small family party afterwards was also a post-pandemic 'first' for us.  Apart from enjoying traditional Norwegian food, it was good to gather for a family occasion and hear (even if not entirely understand) the Norwegian speeches which always form part of a confirmation celebration.  Even more remarkable was when my husband  (one of the godfathers) stood up to make a speech in Norwegian, and some of the company were visibly moved to tears by the power of his words, as well as laughing at his jokes.  Pretty impressive for a speech made in a foreign language!

This occasion gave me hope.  Hope for the future that we will return to a more normal life after the pandemic, hope that we will be able to travel freely once more to visit family and friends, and hope that God will continue to help us cope with high points and low points in our lives, always there for us, whether or not we are conscious of His presence.

Sarah Bourne, Chaplain for the Arts – 22^nd Sept 2021         sarahbourne@banburystmary.org.uk