As a Maronite, I was confirmed and baptized at the same time and so was everyone else in my family. This caused only a few complications later on when I attended a latin rite parochial school. I studied with the other kids as they prepared for confirmation. I even participated in the confirmation ceremony, but instead of "confirming" me, the latin rite bishop simply gave me a blessing. It all felt rather pro forma at the time and nothing special. The signifigance of confirmation really only struck me later in life when I first witnessed my oldest nephew be baptized and confirmed in the Maronite rite. It was/is a beautiful ceremony -- complete with candle processions and prayers invoking the saints and prophets and the patriarchs of old.
A priest friend (latin rite)who is now the chancellor for the arch diocese I grew up in was telling me that the Pope (JPII at the time) had a special fondness for the Maronites and was adamant that they be able to maintain their rite and not have their children baptized in the latin rite.
How awesome!! You can't begin to imagine how blessed you all are to have received those gifts and graces at the same time you were Baptized! It was a struggle to get my daughter through 13 years of religious education and to the Sacrament of Confirmation. Even then, she didn't 'get it'. As I noted above, those gifts are like seeds planted in fertile soil. They spring to life when we need them. How truly sad that so many catholics never take their children past First Communion.
A priest friend (latin rite)who is now the chancellor for the arch diocese I grew up in was telling me that the Pope (JPII at the time) had a special fondness for the Maronites and was adamant that they be able to maintain their rite and not have their children baptized in the latin rite.
As did John XXIII and our new pontiff Benedict XVI. When Nimatullah Al Hardini was canonized, JPII invited Patriarch Sfeir to concelebrate the Mass that day. He also extended an invitation to have a Maronite priest chant the gospel in Arabic which was followed by the glorious strains of a Maronite choir chanting the "Praise, Thanksgiving and Blessing" hymn.
During the interregnum following the death of JPII, then Cardinal Ratzinger extended an invitation to Patriarch Sfeir to celebrate the Maronite Divine Liturgy on behalf of all the Eastern Churches. At his Installation Mass, Pope Benedict XVI once again extended the invitation to Patriarch Sfeir to concelebrate that Mass. He represented ALL the Eastern Churches at that Mass. What an honor!!
Abouna Elie, with a twinkle in his eye, told us not long ago that the Maronites have always known how to take the best from their invaders and discard the rest ;-). The Maronites have proffited handsomely from their relationship with the Latin Church, including an illustrious seminary in Rome.
The Maronites are one of only two Churches that have never been separated from Rome. You should be so proud of your rich and glorious heritage!