The Complete Catholic Handbook

Confirmation

262. What is Confirmation?
263. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation?
264. How does the Bishop administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?
265. What are the words used in Confirmation?

262. What is Confirmation?
     Confirmation is a Sacrament by which we receive the Holy Spirit in order to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
     Confirmation.
     Being made firm or strong in our faith.

     Outward sign.
     The matter consists of the imposition of hands and the anointing of the forehead with chrism, which is made of olive oil mixed with balm, and blessed by the Bishop on Maundy Thursday. The form consists of the words ‘I sign thee’, etc.

     Effects.
     Gives the Holy Spirit and a special sacramental grace which strengthens and perfects the soul.

     Institution.
     The exact time of institution is not given in the Gospels, but it is almost certain that it was after the Resurrection. Instances of its administration by the Apostles—

     1. SS. Peter and John, being sent to confirm the Samaritans, laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:14–17);
     2. St. Paul at Ephesus: ‘And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied’. (Acts 19:6)

     Minister.
     A Bishop. The Pope may confer the power upon a priest to administer Confirmation in a case where it is very difficult to obtain a Bishop; but even then the chrism must have been blessed by a Bishop. Parish priests and certain other priests have this power from the Holy See for the benefit of the dying.

263. Who is the ordinary minister of Confirmation?
     The ordinary minister of Confirmation is a Bishop.
     Ordinary.
     Usual; the person who has the power in his own right.

     Minister.
     The person who administers or gives a Sacrament.

264. How does the Bishop administer the Sacrament of Confirmation?
     The Bishop administers the Sacrament of Confirmation by praying that the Holy Spirit may come down upon those who are to be confirmed; and by laying his hands on them, and making the sign of the cross with chrism on their foreheads, at the same time pronouncing certain words.

265. What are the words used in Confirmation?
     The words used in Confirmation are these: ‘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 the Holy Spirit. Amen’.

     Next: Eucharist