The Signs and Rite
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
What Anointing Expresses (1293-1294)
Anointing (in biblical symbolism) is a sign of abundance, joy, cleansing, and healing. The Good Samaritan "poured oil and wine over his wounds" (Lk 10:34).
The pre-baptismal anointing with the oil of catechumens signifies cleansing and strengthening. The Anointing of the Sick expresses healing and comfort. The anointing in Confirmation and Holy Orders is a sign of consecration. By Confirmation, Christians share more fully in Christ's mission and in his Spirit.
Seal of Christ's Ownership (1295-1296)
This anointing bestows a "mark" (a seal of the Spirit) which symbolizes Christ's ownership (as a slave is sealed by his master).
Jesus claimed that the "Father had set his seal" on him (Jn 6:27). This same gift belongs to every Christian. "He has put his seal on us and given us the Spirit" (2 Cor 1:21-22). By this seal, the Christian is promised his protection in the trials of the Last Day (Rev 7:2-3).
Consecration of Oil (1297)
The bishop consecrating the chrism on Holy Thursday is, in a sense, part of the sacrament. In some Eastern Churches, only the Patriarch can consecrate the chrism.
The Syriac liturgy (Antioch) says "Father send your Holy Spirit on this oil so that all who are anointed are marked with an anointing of gladness, an imperishable happiness, the indelible seal and a buckler of faith."
Need for Renewing Baptismal Vows (1298)
When Confirmation is separated from Baptism, the liturgy always begins with a renewal of baptismal promises and the profession of faith, to show that Confirmation follows Baptism.
Involving the Spirit (1299)
In the Roman Rite, the bishop extends his hands over all to be confirmed. From the apostolic age this gesture has signified the gift of the Spirit. He then invokes the Holy Spirit "Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide."
Essential Rite (1300)
The essential rite follows, that is the anointing with chrism on the forehead and the words, "Be sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit." The Eastern Churches anoint many more parts of the body (forehead, eyes, nose, ear, lips, breast, back, hands, and feet) accompanying each anointing with the words, "The seal of the gift that is the Holy Spirit."
Communion with Bishop (1301)
The sign of peace demonstrates the communion between the bishop and the faithful.
Six Effects (1302-1303)
Confirmation's effect is the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, Confirmation:
- Increases and deepens baptismal grace
- Causes us to cry out "Abba, Father"
- Unites us more firmly to Christ
- Increases the Spirit's gifts
- Bonds us more to the Church
- Strengthens us to proclaim our faith boldly
"Recall then that you have received the spiritual seal. God the Father has marked you. Christ the Lord has confirmed you and placed the Spirit in your hearts" (St. Ambrose).
Indelible Mark (1304-1305)
Confirmation also gives an "indelible spiritual mark" (character) showing that the confirmand has been clothed with power from on high to be Christ's witness (Council of Trent).
This "character" perfects the common priesthood of the faithful. "The person has the power to profess Christ publicly and officially" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Five riveting true stories by people who have experienced supernatural Warnings. order »
Join the movement! Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. order »
Find friends in the world's largest directory of Catholic young adult groups. Learn More »
Our supporters have distributed tens of millions of life-changing Catholic gifts since 1991, making us America's largest producer of high-quality, super-affordable tools for evangelization. Join our work today!
See All Our Catholic Materials
Meet Bud Macfarlane, Our Founder
