The Tribune

By CLAYTON N. CURTIS

Contributing writer

MR. ISREAL "Bonefish Foley" Rolle, the legendary bonefish tour guide has received the sacrament of Holy Confirmation as administered by the Anglican Church. In a private ceremony witnessed by three of his closest associates.

Bonfish Foley received the laying on of hands by the Bishop of the Diocese of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands on March 28 in the historic church of St Mary Magdalene in West End. Holy Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the church and can be defined as the receiving of the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of the Bishop's hands and prayers, so that the confirmed may go forth into the world to serve God in the fellowship of his church.

Confirmation is the time when an individual reaffirms the promises that they made or that were made on their behalf at their baptism and has existed since the first century church. In fact, Acts 8:12-17 speaks of the Apostles Peter and John journeying to Samaria so as to facilitate the new converts who had only been baptised but had not yet received the gift of the holy spirit.

In the Anglican tradition, confirmation is an occasion of re-commitment to the new life in Jesus Christ that was already ours as a result of being baptised. Since baptism is the means whereby we are made members of the body of christ and the holy spirit has already taken up residence in us, confirmation is the 'sealing' of all that we received when we were baptised.

Bonefish Foley hails from Nichols Town, Andros and came to West End, Grand Bahama via Bimini. He has become a legend in his own time as a result of his unique and pioneering techniques used in the sport of bonefishing. His reputation is literally worldwide, as he has been privileged to host celebrities and world leaders such as presidents of the United States, US congressmen, world famous authors as well as regular visitors and residents who all get the same specialised treatment that this national ambassador affords to his clientele.

His personal style and skill with a fishing pole are documented through a song bearing his name by folk artist Phil Stubbs.

For his contribution to the Tourism Industry, Mr. Rolle has won the prestigious "Cacique Award" which recognises tourism industry leaders.

In the Service of Confirmation, Anglican Bishop Rt. Rev. Laish Boyd stressed that following Christ is a daily decision that one makes which involves tremendous sacrifice. Christians are further admonished that if they hope to one day obtain the crown of life, they must be prepared for the challenges that come with having to carry their own crosses as Christ himself did on the way to Calvary, where he was able to secure salvation for all mankind through his death on a cross.

Bishop Boyd said the 91 year old Mr Rolle was the oldest person he has ever had to confirm.