Part III, The Means of Grace: Confirmation

1. What is Confirmation?

Confirmation is a Sacrament in which, through the Bishop's laying on of hands, unction, and prayer, those already baptized are strengthened by the Holy Ghost, in order that they may steadfastly profess their faith, and faithfully live up to it.

2. Who teaches us that the Sacrament of Confirmation was instituted by Christ?

The infallible Catholic Church, in accordance with the Holy Scripture, with the doctrine of the holy Fathers,- and with the practice of the most ancient times.

The Holy Scripture reckons the doctrine of Confirmation, as well as that of Baptism and Penance, amongst the fundamental truths of Christianity (Hebr. vi. 1, 2). It testifies that Christ promised the Holy Ghost to the faithful, and that the Apostles imparted Him by prayer and imposition of hands.

'When the Apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for He was not as yet come upon any of them, but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost' (Acts viii. 14-17). 'They [the disciples of Ephesus] were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus ; and when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied' (Acts xix. 5, 6). The holy Fathers designate this Sacrament by various names; as Confirmation (i.e., strengthening). Imposition of hands, Sealing, Unction, Chrism, Mystery of the Holy Ghost. 'The Sacrament of Chrism,' says St. Augustine, 'is just as holy as Baptism.' History attests that even in the earliest days of the Church the Bishops travelled about to lay their hands on those that were baptized, and to call down the Holy Ghost upon them.

3. What are the effects of Confirmation?

1. Confirmation increases sanctilying grace in us; 2. It gives US the Holy Ghost, to enable lis to fight against evil and to grow in virtue; and 3. It imprints on us, as soldiers of Christ, a spiritual mark which can never be effaced.

'He that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God: who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts' (2 Cor. i. 21, 22).

4. Who has power to confirm?

The Bishops, as Successors of the Apostles, have power to confirm ; in urgent cases, however, the Pope can delegate this power also to a Priest who is not a Bishop.

5. How does the Bishop give Confirmation?

He extends his hands over all those who are to be confirmed, and prays for them all in general, that the Holy Ghost may come down upon them ; then he lays his hand upon each one in particular, and anoints him with holy chrism; and he concludes by giving to all in common the Episcopal Benediction.

6. How does the Bishop anoint those to be confirmed?

He makes the sign of the Cross with holy chrism upon

the forehead of each one, saying at the same time : X., I sign thee with the sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of tlie Holy Ghost/

7. Of what does the chrism, blessed by the Bishop, consist?

Of oil of olives and balsam.

8. What does the oil signify?

The oil signifies the inward strength which we receive for the combat against the enemies of our salvation.

9. Why is fragrant balsam mixed with the oil?

To signify that he who is confirmed receives the grace to preserve himself from the corruption of the world, and to send forth by a pious life the sweet odor of virtue.

10. Why does the Bishop make the sign of the Cross on the forehead of him whom he confirms?

To intimate that a Christian never must be ashamed of the Cross, but boldly profess his faith in Jesus crucified.

' I am not ashamed of the Gospel ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth (Eom. i. 16).

11. Why does the Bishop, after he has anointed him, give him a sUght blow on the cheek?

To remind him that, being now strengthened, he ought to be prepared to sufTer patiently any kind of humiliation for the name of Jesus.

12. Is Confirmation necessary to salvation?

Confirmation is not absolutely necessary to salvation; yet it would be a sin not to receive it through neglect or indifference.

Whatever has been instituted by God for the sanctification of all must also ardently be desired, and thankfully accepted, by all.

13. Who is capable of receiving Confirmation? Every one who is baptized.

14. How is a person to prepare himself for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation?

1. He must cleanse his conscience at least from all grievous sins ; 2. He must get himself well instructed in the fundamental truths of our faith, particularly in those which regard this Sacrament; and 3. He must heartily desire the grace of the Holy Ghost, and, for that purpose, he must fervently pray, and perform good works.

15. How are we to receive Confirmation?

We must, 1. Earnestly ask for the Gifts of the Holy Ghost; 2. Promise God that we will live, and die, as good Christians; and 3. Not leave the church before the Bishop has given his benediction.

16. What should we do after Confirmation?

We should, 1. Give humble thanks to God; 2. Spend that day especially in devotion ; and 3. Preserve and increase the grace of the Holy Ghost by perseverance in our struggle against the enemies of salvation, and by an ardent zeal in all that is good.

17. Why are Sponsors, or Godfathers and Godmothers, required also in Confirmation?

That they may present to the Bishop those who are to be confirmed, and afterwards advise and help them in their spiritual combat for which they are consecrated in this Sacrament.

The Sponsor enters into this engagement by laying his hand on the right shoulder of the person to be confirmed. Thus he becomes his spiritual Parent and Guardian, and has to preserve him from losing the grace of Confirmation; and there arises from it the same spiritual relationship, but not the same impediment of marriage, as in Baptism.

18. What qualities does the Church require in the Godfathers and Godmothers of those who are confirmed?

They must be Catholics, must have been confirmed, be blameless in their conduct, and of such age that they are able to fulfil their duties as Sponsors. Parents cannot

he the Sponsors of their children; and the Sponsor in Confirmation is to be different from the Sponsor in Baptism.

Application. Pray frequently and earnestly that the Gifts of the Holy Ghost may be strengthened in you. Perform without fear all the duties of a Catholic Christian. Should you have to suifer ignominy and persecution on account of your faith, consider it an honor, and rejoice in it after the example of the Apostles (Acts v. 41).