What Is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament in which a baptized person is sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live out their faith as mature Christians.
📝Detailed Answer
Confirmation is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation (along with Baptism and the Eucharist). In this sacrament, the baptized person receives a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, similar to what the apostles experienced at Pentecost.
The sacrament is administered by a bishop (or a priest delegated by the bishop) through the laying on of hands and anointing with Sacred Chrism (a specially consecrated oil) on the forehead, while saying: "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit."
Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism. While Baptism gives new life in Christ, Confirmation strengthens that life and equips the person with the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2-3).
The recipient of Confirmation must be in a state of grace, should be prepared through catechesis, and chooses a Confirmation saint whose life and virtues they wish to emulate. They also choose a sponsor who will support them in their spiritual life.
Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark on the soul, meaning it can only be received once. It deepens the baptismal character and binds the confirmed person more firmly to Christ and the Church, giving them the strength to be witnesses to the faith.
📜Bible References
Acts 2:1-4
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues.”
Acts 8:14-17
“They laid hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.”
Isaiah 11:2
“The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength.”
📚Catechism References
CCC 1285
“Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace.”
CCC 1303
“Confirmation brings a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith.”
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