What is Confirmation?
Treasure hunting in the context of spirituality and catechesis
The search itself is already exciting. However, there is one treasure that every person should discover one meant for each individual. Jesus speaks about this treasure in the Gospel of Mt. 13,44-52 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away, sold everything he had, and bought it." For this reason, we strive to offer young people forms of catechesis that help and guide them in discovering this most precious treasure. It is also important to note that without personal and sincere commitment, one cannot reach the goal. No wonder that for some young Christians, the sacraments seem to bring no real change. It is much like expecting good academic results and a solid education without making the effort to study systematically.
Sacrament of Confirmation
The meaning of Confirmation and its spiritual depth
The sacrament of confirmation completes the sacrament of baptism. If baptism is the sacrament of re-birth to a new and supernatural life, confir- mation is the sacrament of maturity and coming of age. The real confession of Christ consist in this ‘that the whole man submits himself to Truth, in the judgment of his understanding, in the submission of his will and in the consecration of his whole power of love . . . To do this, poor-spirited man is only able when he has been confirmed by God’s grace’ Confirmation is a true sacrament instituted by Christ and different from baptism. It is administered by laying-on of hands and anointing with chrism accompanied by prayer. The chrism is blessed by the bishop and the bishop administers the sacrament. All baptized persons can and should be confirmed. The effect of the sacrament of confirmation is to give strength in faith and for the confession of faith and to impress an indelible character.