What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation is the sacrament that completes the grace of Baptism and strengthens the baptized with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The bishop (or his delegate) anoints the candidate's forehead with Sacred Chrism (consecrated oil), saying, 'Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.' Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual character and can be received only once. The sacrament bestows the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3). Candidates typically choose a Confirmation saint whose virtues they wish to emulate. In the Latin Rite, Confirmation is usually received during adolescence after a period of catechetical preparation, though in the Eastern Catholic Churches it is administered immediately after Baptism. A sponsor, who may be a godparent, accompanies the candidate.