It is evident from its celebration that the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit as once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost.
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of baptismal grace: - it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, "Abba! Father!"
- it unites us more firmly to Christ;
- it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
- it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
- it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith by word and action as true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross
Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of right judgment and courage, the spirit of knowledge and reverence, the spirit of holy fear in God's presence. Guard what you have received. God the Father has marked you with his sign; Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has placed his pledge, the Spirit, in your hearts. CCC 1302-1303
Imagine - all that happened tonight!
5 comments:
I remember my daughter's confirmation. It was so much nicer than my Lutheran one years ago.
I loved the ceremony and the splendor that went with it. According to my youngest at that time she could see the Holy Spirit. She has said that a few times and I truly believe her.
Confirmation seems to have been the neglected sacrament for so long. It's good to see its profile raised. Happy Pentecost-tide!
Jennifer - It was grand. This year it was at St. Thomas - a very beautiful church. We had 6 priests besides the Bishop and 2 Deacons.
Phillip - I agree with Scott Hahn that this is the most underated Sacrament. For some of these kids it will be real turning point in their lives.
I pray it will. As you've highlighted in your great post, it's us sharing in Pentecost.
Confrmaion is a great Sacrament, it's the one that prevented me from becoming a protestant
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