Come here, dear children, so that this grandfather may tell you about the most wonderful gifts you can receive, not wrapped in paper, but straight from heaven. I speak of the gifts of the Holy Spirit that descend at Confirmation: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. They are like seven bright stars that illuminate the path to seek Jesus, to find him in simple things, and to love him with a pure heart, full of fire.

Imagine me, as a young person, facing difficult decisions: which path to take in life, how to help my family, how to confront my fears. The gift of counsel was like a friendly voice whispering to me, “Seek Jesus in stillness.” And there I found him, giving me clarity. Wisdom allowed me to see beyond what the eyes see, recognizing Christ in humble people, in the beauties of creation. These gifts are not meant to be kept hidden away; they are meant to be used every day, cultivated like a garden that blossoms.

In my long life, I have seen how fortitude helped me in stormy times, when the world seemed gray and doubts lurked. It gave me the courage to cling to Jesus, to not give up. Piety made me pray with devotion, feeling His presence like a comforting warmth in my heart. And the fear of God is not fear, but a loving respect that makes us love Him more, avoiding what grieves Him. It is so profound and positive to think about how these gifts unite us to the mission of the Church, making us fruits of love, like charity, joy, and peace that spring from the Spirit.

Let me tell you a story: once, on a pilgrimage, I used the gift of knowledge to better understand God’s creation, seeing Jesus in the mountains and rivers. It made me love Him more passionately. And in old age, intelligence helps me discern what is true in a world full of noise. Dear ones, these treasures grow with practice; they are not magic, but graces that God gives us so that we may actively seek Him.

It is truly moving how the Spirit transforms us, making the ordinary extraordinary. In Confirmation, you receive these gifts to be a light in the world, to find Jesus in your friends, at school, and in your family. Don’t remain passive; stir things up with good deeds.

And now, to conclude, here is my grandfather’s advice: Cultivate your gifts by praying to the Holy Spirit each morning, asking Him to guide you. Use your fortitude to resist temptation and help those who suffer. Practice piety by joyfully attending Mass and reading the lives of saints who lived with these gifts. Seek Jesus in nature with the gift of knowledge, and in your decisions with the gift of counsel. Remember, my dear ones, that loving Him through these gifts will fill you with profound peace; make it a habit, and you will see eternal fruits.