Sacrament of Confirmation

The Sacrament of Confirmation is the second of the three Sacraments of Initiation – the first one being Baptism and the third one Holy Eucharist. Baptism, the Eucharist, and the Sacrament of Confirmation together constitute the “Sacraments of Christian Initiation” – Confirmation perfects our Baptism and brings us the graces of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Anointment, or the Sacrament of Confirmation, is a holy Sacrament, with which we receive the seal of the Holy Spirit. In the Sacrament of Confirmation – the Holy Ghost comes down upon the recipients to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ. As we all know, I am one of the Confirmation catechists. In our St. Joseph parish (Mira Road), the Rite of Confirmation is on February 17, 2013.

Confirmation has all the requisites of a Sacrament as it was instituted by Christ, and the Fathers and Doctors of the Church recognize the institution of the sacrament of Confirmation in the sending of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost. As we are aware, the Holy Spirit is God, and the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. Confirmation is a Sacrament in which, through the imposition of the Bishop’s hands, unction and prayer, all my baptized students will receive the Holy Ghost. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses to the ends of the earth”. Acts 1:8

The Bishop of Bombay, Bosco Penha, will be laying on his hands, anointing with chrism, and prayer, all the baptized candidates and they will be strengthened by the Holy Spirit. While it is Baptism that first gave them the Holy Spirit, Confirmation will increase His power within them. In a way, this Sacrament will strengthen the new life in all of us.