The Cathedral was very crowded. There were several familiar faces from St. Michael’s and friends from Abbey Wood in the congregation, which gave the Cathedral a welcome homely feel. We left Peter with the other candidates who were being told what would happen during the Service and headed outside to the little court yard in front of the Cathedral. It was very pleasant sitting there in the morning sun watching the rush and bustle that always seems to surround the Cathedral The traffic hurrying towards London Bridge trains rumbling in and out of the station and shoppers thronging into Borough Market, the Cathedral seems like a small oasis of calm amid all city noise.

We returned to our seats in the Cathedral. The choir were singing as the congregation gathered. The Service started as the Bishop and clergy processed along the central aisle towards the altar.

It was a lovely Service, Bishop John talked of Confirmation being the gift of God being poured on the candidate through the Church and her Bishops. He spoke of confirmation being an individual moment even amidst a crowd. He said that it is a privilege for him to share the moment with the candidate.

On this Saturday morning there were many candidates, from many Churches in the dioceses, although only Peter from St. Michael’s. The candidates came forward in pairs to kneel before the Bishop at the Altar where he asked each by name if they wished to confirm their faith. After the many candidates had been confirmed the Bishop lead a prayer for their continued growth in their faith. The service concluded with Communion. The newly confirmed received first. It was a very moving Service.