Confirmation is the third Sacrament in the cycle of Christian initiation, after Baptism and the Eucharist. It is an opportunity for the communicant to be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit and to receive the strength to share their faith as a testament to Christ in their words and acts.
Confirmation consummates and completes Baptism. In fact, the term is derived from the Latin word “confirmatio” which means “to reinforce, to strengthen”. In ancient times, the two rituals were executed consecutively. Confirmation is the Sacrament towards which all Catholics must aspire. It plays an essential role in their spiritual life, bringing them the strength to cultivate and spread their faith.
Confirmation is reserved for those who have been baptised, since it concludes the rite of passage into the Christian church. It generally takes place between the ages of 12 and 18. Confirmation is a personal decision, and the person must request it of their own free will. When an adult joins the church, they will generally receive Baptism, the Eucharist and Confirmation on the same day during the Easter Vigil.
Confirmation is a personal commitment that requires consideration and responsibility. The catechumen voluntarily sends a letter to the bishop introducing themselves and asking to be confirmed as an expression of their free will. The godfather and godmother are also involved in the process to prepare the ceremony and assist the communicant in their faith.
Confirmation occurs on the Feast of Pentecost, in the spirit of the apostles who bore witness to their faith on that day. The celebration is based on two principal elements : anointment with the Holy Chrism, symbolising the strength provided by the Holy Spirit; and a laying-on of hands, accompanied by the words “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” The confirmed Catholic then dons a white-and-red stole, in the colours of the Pentecost.
The catechumen must be able to freely choose a person that they trust, who will assist them in the importance of the commitment to the way of faith both before and after the ceremony. If the individual has maintained a close relationship with the godparents since their baptism, it is natural that those same people should renew their role. In the case of an adult preparing for confirmation, the choice of the godparents must meet certain conditions. The godfather and godmother must each be at least 16 years of age, have received Confirmation themselves, and not be the catechumen’s biological parents.
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