Meaning of confirmation (what is it, concept and definition)

What is Confirmation:

Confirmation can refer to two things: on the one hand, the action and effect of confirming, that is, giving proof of a fact, phenomenon, decision, etc. On the other hand, it can also refer to a sacrament of the Catholic Church.

Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, also practiced by the Orthodox and Anglican churches. Its purpose is to renew baptismal promises and publicly express the commitment to following the Gospel.

In ancient times, confirmation was practiced by the Church along with baptism, which is the ritual of Christian initiation, and communion. This was because in those times, these rituals were received after a long training.

When the custom of baptizing young children was established, the three rituals were separated. Beginning with the Council of Trent in the 16th century, confirmation was administered 2 to 7 years after baptism.

In modern times, thanks to the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, the administration of confirmation has been postponed until about 7 years after the first communion, so that the person can consciously renew their baptismal promises. Generally speaking, confirmation is usually done after the age of 16.

Confirmation symbols

The sacrament of confirmation is administered by a bishop. Its ritual symbols are:

• The laying on of hands: this sign transmits the blessing, power and grace of God from one person to another. It thus represents the efficiency of the giving of the gift of the Holy Spirit. The chrismation or anointing of sacred oil: through the anointing of sacred oil, a symbol of abundance, joy and cleanliness, the confirming consecrates himself as a witness to the faith and a follower of the Gospel.

Furthermore, the confirming person must choose a confirmation godfather or godmother, whose role will be to accompany him or her in deepening their faith in adulthood. Therefore, the godfather or godmother must be practicing believers.

See also:

• Sacramento Baptism