Confirmation
114.
What
is Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Ghost comes to
us in a special way and enables us to profess our faith as strong
and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
But
I speak the truth to you; it is expedient for you that I depart. For
if I do not go, the Advocate will not come to you. (John 16:7)
115.
Who
is the usual minister of Confirmation?
The bishop is the usual minister of Confirmation.
116.
What
does the bishop do when he gives Confirmation?
The
bishop extends his or her hands over those who are to be confirmed,
prays that they may receive the Holy Ghost, and, while laying his
hand on the head of each person, anoints the forehead with holy
chrism in the form of a cross.
And
when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon
them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
117.
What
does the bishop say in anointing the person he or she confirms?
In
anointing the person he or she confirms, the bishop says: "I sign
you with the sign of the cross and I confirm you with the chrism of
salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost."
118.
What
is holy chrism?
Holy
chrism is a mixture of olive oil and balm, blessed by the bishop on
Holy Thursday.
119.
What
does the anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a
cross signify?
The
anointing of the forehead with chrism in the form of a cross
signifies that the Catholic who is confirmed must always be ready to
profess their faith openly and to practice it fearlessly.
120.
Why
does the bishop give the person he confirms a symbolic blow on the
cheek?
The
bishop gives the person he confirms a symbolic blow on the cheek to
remind him that he must be ready to suffer everything, even death,
for the sake of Christ.
121.
What
are the effects of Confirmation?
Confirmation increases sanctifying grace, gives its special
sacramental grace, and imprints a lasting character on the soul.
And
when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon
them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. (Acts 19:6)
122.
What
does the sacramental grace of Confirmation help us to do?
The
sacramental grace of Confirmation helps us to live our faith loyally
and to profess it courageously.
123.
What
is the character of Confirmation?
The
character of Confirmation is a spiritual and indelible sign which
marks the Christian as a soldier in the army of Christ.
124.
What
is necessary to receive Confirmation properly?
To
receive Confirmation properly it is necessary to be in the state of
grace, and to know well the chief truths and duties of our religion.
125.
After we have been confirmed, why should we continue to study our
religion even more earnestly than before?
After we have been confirmed, we should continue to study our
religion even more earnestly than before, so that we may be able to
explain and defend our faith, and thus cooperate with the grace of
Confirmation.
126.
Why
should all Catholics be confirmed?
All
Catholics should be confirmed in order to be strengthened against
the dangers to salvation and to be prepared better to witness and
defend their Catholic faith.