Cardinal Timothy Dolan conferred the Sacrament of Confirmation on nine young people with disabilities on Sunday, April 16, in an event organized by the Department of Youth Faith Formation of the Archdiocese of New York.

In his homily, delivered before the confirmation, Cardinal Dolan said “[Divine Mercy] is a relatively new feast in the life of the Church. It was our beloved St. John Paul II about 40 years ago when he was a young priest in the Diocese of Krakow, actually even before he was a priest. Everybody knew about Sister Faustina and she was a remarkably holy woman. And her meditations led her to an intense knowledge of Jesus, and she wrote so beautifully about His gift of divine mercy.” 

“She said, ‘Here’s a prayer that moves the heart of Jesus all the time. If we simply say, ‘Jesus, I trust in Thee.’ You can’t get simpler than that folks,” Cardinal Dolan said.

After the homily, Cardinal Dolan confirmed and embraced each of the nine candidates, who participated with their sponsors and family members.

“All baptized Catholics who possess the use of reason may receive the Sacrament of Confirmation if they are ‘suitably instructed, properly disposed and able to renew the baptismal promises.’ Persons who because of intellectual or developmental disabilities may never attain the use of reason can receive the Sacrament of Confirmation and should be encouraged either directly or, if necessary, through their parents, to receive it. It is important that they receive the pastoral guidance needed, along with the welcome and embrace of the whole community of faith. To the degree possible, those with disabilities should be included along with others during the preparation and celebration of the sacrament. At times, pastoral need may necessitate an accommodated setting and a simpler manner,” the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has counseled on people with disabilities receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation.