Course 2, Chapter 36: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Of Confirmation

1. What is confirmation?

Confirmation is a sacrament by which we receive the Holy Ghost, with all his gifts, and are made perfect Christians.

2. What is the matter of the sacrament of confirmation?

The matter of the sacrament of confirmation is the holy chrism. The holy chrisnr is a compound of olive oil and balsam, consecrated by the bishop on Holy Thursday. The oil signifies the sweetness and force communicated to us by the Holy Ghost; and the balsam signifies the sweet odor of virtue which they who have received confirmation should spread around them.

3. What is the form of the sacrament of confirmation?

The form of the sacrament of confirmation congists in these words, which the bishop pronounces whilst he performs the sacred unction; J sign thee tcith 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 the Holy Ghost. The imposition of the bishop's hands, and the accompanying prayer, are also r.n essential rite, which dates back to our Lord Jesus Christ.

4. Who js the minister of confirmation?

The minister of confirmation is the bishop, a successor of the apostles; the bishop alone possesses this right, as it belonged to the apostles.

5. Why does the bishop make the unction of the holy chrism on the forehead?

To teach us not to be ashamed of our faith.

6. Why does he give a slight blow on the cheek of the person confirmed?

To teach him that he must be ready to suffer al" kinds of contradictions for Jesus Christ.

7. What are the dispositions for receiving confirmation?

The dispositions for receiving confirmation are two- fold; those of the body and those of the soul. Those of the body are: 1 st, to be fasting, if we can; 2d, to be modest in our dress and all our exterior deportment; 3d, to have the face clean, especially the forehead, where the bishop performs the sacred unction. Those of the soul are: 1st, to be baptized; 2d, to know the chief articles of faith, and what concerns the sacrament of confirmation; 3d, to be in a state of grace.

8. Why is it necessary to receive confirmation?

It is necessary to receive confirmation because we need strength to faithfully practise our religion. He who, through neglect or contempt, fails to receive confirmation, renders himself guilty of a great sin before God.

9. What are the effects of confirmation?

1st, confirmation perfects in us the grace of bnptism; 2d, it gives us the courage to confess our faith in the time of persecution; 3d, it imprints on us an indelible character. During the first as;es of the church it communicated also the gifts of miracles, of tongues, and of prophecy. These extraordinary gifts continued only while they were necessary for the establishment of the church.

1>14 CATECHISM OP PERSEVERANCE.

10. Mention some of the advantages of confirmation?

1 st, this sacrament inspires us with an exalted idea of our dignity; 2d, it teaches us the true nature of life; 3d, it furnishes us with the arms necessary to tight valiantly, and to avoid those shameful defeats which would render us miserable even in this world.