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The sacrament in which a baptized person, in
the state of grace, receives the SEAL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT,
special graces, and strength to lead a mature Christian life.
Like Baptism, Confirmation imprints an indelible quality on the
soul, therefore, can be received only once.
The sacrament seals with the gifts of the
Holy Spirit which are received at Baptism.
The FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT are; love,
joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness (generosity),
trustfulness (faithfulness), gentleness and self-control.
The GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT are; wisdom,
understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of
the Lord.
Confirmed persons are more strictly obliged
to spread and defend the Faith.
The Bishop is the ordinary minister of
Confirmation although a priest in certain circumstances may
confirm.
In confirming, the Bishop extends his hands
over those who are to receive the Sacrament and prays that they
may receive the Holy Spirit. He then anoints the forehead of
each one with blessed oil (Chrism) in the form of a cross
saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.” While the
response is a firm “Amen.”
By the sacrament of Confirmation they are
more perfectly bound to the Church and are endowed with the
special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true
witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread the faith
by word and deed. (Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, II
)
Confirmation binds the
Christian more perfectly to the Church and enriches them with a
special strength of the Holy Spirit, that they may live in the
world as a witness of Christ. (General Catechetical
Directory, 57.)
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