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Confirmation
What is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the baptized receive a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, completing the grace of Baptism and equipping them to live out their faith actively. It is rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4), and reflects Jesus’ promise to send the Spirit to guide and strengthen His followers (John 16:7). The sacrament confirms the baptized as full members of the Church, sealing them with the Spirit’s gifts to spread and defend the faith.
Theological Significance
Confirmation holds profound spiritual meaning in Catholicism:
- Strengthening Baptismal Grace: It deepens the grace received in Baptism, completing Christian initiation by uniting the person more closely to Christ and the Church.
- Gift of the Holy Spirit: The sacrament imparts the Holy Spirit in a special way, conferring seven gifts—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—to guide the confirmed in living a Christian life.
- Indelible Spiritual Seal: Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints a permanent spiritual mark (or “character”) on the soul, signifying the person’s consecration to Christ’s mission. This seal is received only once.
- Call to Witness: Confirmation empowers the individual to be a public witness of the faith, sharing the Gospel through word and deed, and defending the Church against challenges.
- Participation in Christ’s Mission: The confirmed are called to share in Christ’s roles as priest (offering spiritual sacrifices), prophet (proclaiming the Gospel), and king (serving others in charity).
Who Can Be Confirmed?
- Baptized Catholics: Confirmation is typically administered to those already baptized, as it builds on Baptism’s grace. Candidates must be in a state of grace (e.g., having confessed serious sins).
- Age: In the Latin Rite (common in Nigeria), Confirmation is often received by adolescents (ages 12–16) after catechetical preparation, though adults baptized later in life may receive it sooner. In Eastern Catholic Churches, it’s administered to infants alongside Baptism.
- Adults (RCIA): Unbaptized adults or baptized non-Catholics entering the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) receive Confirmation alongside Baptism and First Eucharist, often at the Easter Vigil.
- Prerequisites: Candidates need catechesis, a desire to receive the sacrament, and a sponsor to guide them. They must profess the Catholic faith and be prepared to live as disciples.
The Rite of Confirmation
The Confirmation ceremony is a solemn liturgical act, typically celebrated within a Mass, often by a bishop, though priests may be delegated in some cases (common in Nigeria due to large dioceses).
1. Essential Elements
- Matter: The laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism (blessed oil) on the forehead.
- Form: The words “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit,” spoken by the minister during the anointing.
- Minister: Usually a bishop, who signifies the apostolic connection to Pentecost. Priests can administer Confirmation with episcopal delegation, especially for adult converts.
2. Structure of the Rite
The Confirmation rite, as outlined in the Rite of Confirmation, includes:
- Presentation of Candidates: The candidates are presented to the bishop, often by the parish priest or catechist, affirming their readiness.
- Liturgy of the Word: Scripture readings (e.g., Acts 2:1–11 on Pentecost) and a homily explaining the Holy Spirit’s role.
- Renewal of Baptismal Promises: Candidates reaffirm their Baptismal vows, rejecting Satan and professing faith in God.
- Laying on of Hands: The bishop extends hands over the candidates, praying for the Holy Spirit’s descent.
- Anointing with Chrism: The bishop anoints each candidate’s forehead with chrism, saying, “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.” The candidate responds, “Amen.”
- Sign of Peace: The bishop says, “Peace be with you,” and the candidate replies, “And with your spirit.”
- General Intercessions and Eucharist: The Mass continues with prayers for the confirmed and the Eucharistic celebration.
3. Adult Confirmation (RCIA)
For adults in RCIA, Confirmation often follows Baptism at the Easter Vigil, with the bishop or priest anointing immediately after Baptism, followed by First Eucharist. The preparation includes catechesis on the faith, the Holy Spirit, and Christian living.
Symbols and Their Meanings
Confirmation is rich in symbolism:
- Chrism Oil: Represents the Holy Spirit’s anointing, consecrating the candidate for God’s service, as kings and priests were anointed in the Old Testament.
- Laying on of Hands: Symbolizes the invocation of the Holy Spirit, echoing the apostles’ actions in Acts 8:14–17.
- Sign of Peace: Reflects the unity and fellowship brought by the Spirit.
- Confirmation Name: Candidates often choose a saint’s name (e.g., St. Tarcisius for Altar Servers) to inspire their faith journey.
Role of Sponsors
A sponsor (similar to a godparent in Baptism) supports the candidate:
- Guides them in faith, helping them live out their Confirmation commitments.
- Must be a practicing Catholic, at least 16 years old, confirmed, and living according to Church teachings.
