Chapter III — On Confirmation

1. What is the sacrament of Confirmation?

Confirmation is a sacrament that gives us the Holy Spirit, imprints on our soul the character of a soldier of Jesus Christ, and makes us perfect Christians.

2. In what way does the sacrament of Confirmation make us perfect Christians?

Confirmation makes us perfect Christians, because it confirms us in the faith and perfects the other virtues and gifts which we have received in holy Baptism; and therefore it is called Confirmation.

3. Which are the gifts of the Holy Spirit that are received in Confirmation?

The gifts of the Holy Spirit that are received in Confirmation are these seven: Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and Fear of God.

4. What is the matter of this sacrament?

The matter of this sacrament, besides the imposition of the Bishop's hands, is the anointing made on the forehead of the baptized with sacred Chrism; and therefore it is also called Chrism, that is, Anointing.

5. What is sacred Chrism?

Sacred Chrism is oil mixed with balsam, which the Bishop has consecrated on Holy Thursday.

6. What do the oil and the balsam signify in this sacrament?

In this sacrament, the oil, which spreads and strengthens, signifies the abundant grace which is poured forth in the soul of the Christian to confirm him in the faith; and the balsam, which is fragrant and protects from corruption, signifies that the Christian, strengthened by this grace, is fit to give the good odor of Christian virtues and to preserve himself from the corruption of vices.

7. What is the form of the sacrament of Confirmation?

The form of the sacrament of Confirmation is this: "I sign thee with the sign of the Cross and confirm thee with the chrism of salvation in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

8. Who is the minister of the sacrament of Confirmation?

The ordinary minister of the sacrament of Confirmation is the Bishop alone.

9. With what rite does the Bishop administer Confirmation?

The Bishop, in order to administer the sacrament of Confirmation, first extends his hands over those to be confirmed, invoking upon them the Holy Spirit; then he makes an anointing in the form of a cross with sacred Chrism on the forehead of each one, saying the words of the form; then with his right hand he gives a light blow on the cheek of the confirmed, saying to him: "Peace be with thee"; finally he solemnly blesses all the confirmed.

10. Why is the anointing made on the forehead?

The anointing is made on the forehead, where the signs of fear and of blushing appear, that the one confirmed may understand that he must not be ashamed of the name and profession of a Christian, nor be afraid of the enemies of the faith.

11. Why is a light blow given to the one confirmed?

A light blow is given to the one confirmed so that he may know that he must be ready to suffer every affront and every pain for the faith of Jesus Christ.

12. Must all seek to receive the sacrament of Confirmation?

Yes, all must seek to receive the sacrament of Confirmation and to have it received by their dependents.

13. At what age is it good to receive the sacrament of Confirmation?

The age at which it is good to receive the sacrament of Confirmation is about seven years; because then temptations are wont to begin, and the grace of this sacrament can be sufficiently understood, and the having received it can be remembered.

14. What dispositions are required to receive worthily the sacrament of Confirmation?

To receive worthily the sacrament of Confirmation, one must be in the grace of God, know the principal mysteries of our holy faith, and approach it with reverence and devotion.

15. Would one sin who received Confirmation a second time?

He would commit a sacrilege, because Confirmation is one of those sacraments that imprint the character on the soul, and which can therefore be received only once.

16. What must the Christian do to preserve the grace of Confirmation?

To preserve the grace of Confirmation, the Christian must pray often, do good works, and live according to the law of Jesus Christ, without human respects.

17. Why, also in Confirmation, are there godfathers and godmothers?

That these may direct, by their words and examples, the one confirmed in the way of salvation and help him in the spiritual warfare.

18. What conditions are required in the godfather?

The godfather must be of suitable age, Catholic, confirmed, instructed in the things most necessary to religion, and of good morals.

19. Does the godfather of Confirmation contract any kinship with the one confirmed and with his parents?

The godfather of Confirmation contracts the same spiritual kinship as one who holds at baptism.