The Sacrament of Confirmation: Strengthened for Mission
"By the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed." (CCC 1285)
Confirmation is not a mere ritual—it is a sacred outpouring of divine grace, a personal Pentecost for each soul. It is the moment when the Holy Spirit, who first took up residence in our souls at Baptism, now comes with new power, setting our hearts ablaze for the mission of Christ.
St. Ambrose calls it the perfecting of faith, saying: “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.”
At Confirmation, the bishop or priest anoints the candidate with sacred chrism, saying: "Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit." This seal is indelible, a mark upon the soul that cannot be erased—it is a divine commissioning.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem describes this moment beautifully: "When the Holy Spirit comes upon you, you are no longer a mere human—you are filled with divine fire!"
A Call to Holiness, a Call to Courage
We live in a world that often rejects Christ. Yet, through Confirmation, we are given the strength to stand firm, to proclaim, to love without fear. The same Spirit that gave the apostles boldness on Pentecost is given to us.
St. Catherine of Siena exhorts us: "Be who God meant you to be, and you will set the world on fire!"
The Holy Spirit does not make timid Christians—He makes warriors of truth, mercy, and love. He calls us to be saints, to transform our homes, our schools, our workplaces, and our world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
What Confirmation Does for Us
According to the Catechism (CCC 1303), Confirmation:
- Roots us more deeply in our identity as children of God.
- Unites us more firmly to Christ.
- Increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in our soul.
- Strengthens our bond with the Church and gives us the power to be witnesses.
- Confers a special grace to defend the faith with courage and conviction.
Your Invitation to Sainthood
St. John Paul II said: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ!”
If you have been baptized but not yet confirmed, this is your invitation. The Holy Spirit is waiting to fill you with His power, His wisdom, His love. Come and receive the fire of God—so that you may live boldly for Christ, today and always.