SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
Sacrament of Confirmation By Edward Matulanya Here are meaning, nature, Bible foundation, history, rite, and significance of Sacrament of Confirmation. 1. Meaning and Nature of the Sacrament of Confirmation Confirmation is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, belonging to the Sacraments of Initiation alongside Baptism and Eucharist . According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997/2000, para. 1285), it “perfects baptismal grace” and brings a fuller outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening the believer for witness and mission. 2. Biblical Foundations of Sacrament of Confirmation Catholic theology sees Confirmation as rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the Spirit is symbolized in the anointing of kings and prophets (1 Sam 16:13). In the New Testament, the Apostles received the Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4) and conferred the Spirit through laying on of hands (Acts 8:14–17; Acts 19:5–6). The Church interprets th...