In the History of Salvation
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
The Spirit and the Messiah (1286)
The prophets announced that the Spirit would rest upon the Messiah. The Spirit's visible descent upon Jesus (at Baptism) was the sign that he was the Messiah. Jesus was conceived by the Spirit and his whole mission was fulfilled in the Spirit who was given "without measure" (Jn 3:34).
Given Now to All (1287)
Jesus often said that this Spirit would be given to the whole Messianic people. "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes down upon you" (Acts 1:8). This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost. Peter proclaimed this outpouring as a sign of the messianic age. All who believed and were baptized received the Spirit.
Laying on of Hands (1288)
The apostles, at Samaria, laid hands so that the newly baptized would receive the Holy Spirit as a completion of the baptismal gift. "Peter and John... prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit, for it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:15). "Baptism and the laying on of hands" are the first elements of Christian instruction (Heb 6:2). "This imposition of hands (which perpetuates the grace of Pentecost) is rightly recognized as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation" (Pope Paul VI).
Chrism (1289)
Later, perfumed oil (chrism) was added to signify the Spirit's anointing. The word "Christian" means "anointed" (deriving from the title "Christ" meaning "the Anointed One"). The word "Confirmation" suggests a ratification of Baptism. In Eastern Churches, the sacrament is called "Chrismation."
Joined or Separated? (1290)
Originally, Baptism and Confirmation were given together (called the "double sacrament" by St. Cyprian). However, due to increased infant Baptisms and the growth of dioceses, the West deferred Confirmation so the bishop could be present. The East has kept the sacraments united. When the priest confirms, he must use the "myron" (chrism) consecrated by a bishop.
Double Anointing (1291)
In the West, St. Hippolytus (Apostolic Traditions) recorded a "double anointing" immediately after Baptism - the first by a priest and the second by the bishop. This facilitated the present practice of a double anointing (in which the priest anoints the believer after Baptism and the bishop anoints again at Confirmation). In adult Baptism, there is only one anointing, the sacrament of Confirmation.
Different Stress (1292)
The Eastern practice stresses the unity of Christian initiation. The Western practice expresses the communion of the believer with the bishop (the guarantor of apostolic unity).
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