The sacrament of Confirmation, often referred to as the sacrament of Chrism, is a significant and transformative rite within the Catholic Church. Rooted in biblical origins and centuries of tradition, Confirmation bestows the gifts of the Holy Spirit upon believers, empowering them to deepen their faith, embrace their role in the Church, and bear witness to Christ’s teachings.

In the Chaldean Rite, infants are baptized and confirmed together, as the first two of three sacraments of initiation. Chrism, the rite of anointing and setting the child apart as one chosen by God, strengthens the faith of the child and gives him the capacity to carry on Jesus’ mission of declaring the kingdom of God. In the sacrament of chrism, the child is anointed, and becomes, like Jesus, an “anointed one,” which is the meaning of the word “Christ.”

Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit:
Confirmation is a sacrament of empowerment, wherein the Holy Spirit’s gifts—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord—are bestowed upon the recipients. This infusion of divine grace equips believers to live out their faith more fully, guiding them in discernment, decision-making, and the pursuit of holiness.

Strengthening and Deepening Faith:
Confirmation serves as a pivotal step in an individual’s faith journey, offering an opportunity to reaffirm and deepen their commitment to Christ and the Church. By consciously embracing the sacrament, recipients publicly declare their willingness to live as authentic witnesses of the Gospel, even in the face of challenges and opposition.

Unity with the Church:
Through Confirmation, believers forge a stronger connection with the Catholic Church and its rich heritage. This sacrament underscores the importance of community and shared faith, encouraging recipients to actively participate in the Church’s mission and contribute to the building of a compassionate and just world.

Rite of Passage:
Confirmation is often considered a rite of passage, marking the transition from adolescence to adulthood in one’s faith journey. It allows individuals to take ownership of their beliefs, echoing the early apostolic tradition of the laying on of hands by the apostles to confer the Holy Spirit.

Role of the Bishop:
In the Catholic tradition, the sacrament of Confirmation is typically administered by a bishop. This emphasizes the unity of the local Church and reinforces the connection to apostolic succession, tracing back to the original apostles and Christ himself.

Conclusion:
The sacrament of Confirmation, also known as Chrism, holds a significant place within the Catholic Church, serving as a transformative encounter with the Holy Spirit. Through the gifts imparted in Confirmation, believers are empowered to live out their faith with wisdom, courage, and a deepened sense of purpose. This sacrament not only strengthens individual commitment to Christ but also bolsters the collective unity and mission of the Church, fostering a community of believers dedicated to spreading the message of love, compassion, and faith in a world in need of hope.