Confirmation completes the grace of Baptism. It goes back to Pentecost, and to the apostles, who laid their hands on the newly baptized so they would receive the Holy Spirit.
The bishop is the ordinary minister of Confirmation. In the rite, the candidates renew their baptismal promises. The bishop lays hands on them and anoints each forehead with chrism, saying: “Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Candidates choose a sponsor, often a godparent, and usually a Confirmation saint as a model and friend.
Confirmation roots us more deeply as children of God, unites us more firmly to Christ, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us, strengthens our bond with the Church, and gives us special strength to witness to the faith.
The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
- Wisdom
- Understanding
- Counsel (right judgment)
- Fortitude (courage)
- Knowledge
- Piety (reverence)
- Fear of the Lord (wonder and awe)
When we cooperate with the Spirit, His fruits grow in us: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and chastity.