Description
HOLY PICTURE CARD – CONFIRMATION GIRL (60mm x 100mm). Made in Italy
Confirmation in the Catholic Church is a sacrament of initiation that seals the baptized with a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, strengthening them to live as mature witnesses of Christ. It deepens baptismal grace, unites the recipient more firmly to the Church, and is usually administered by a bishop through the laying on of hands and anointing with chrism oil.
Key Aspects of Confirmation:
Completes Baptism: It is the third sacrament of initiation (following Baptism and before Eucharist), perfecting the grace received in Baptism.
Outpouring of the Holy Spirit: Similar to Pentecost, the sacrament grants a special strength to spread and defend the faith by word and action.
Renewal of Promises: Candidates publicly renew their baptismal promises, recommitting to their faith.
The Rite: The ceremony involves the laying on of hands by the Bishop, and anointing the forehead with the Oil of Chrism, saying, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”.
Indelible Mark: Like Baptism, it leaves a permanent, spiritual mark on the soul and can only be received once.
Purpose and Effects:
Strengthening Faith: It matures the soul for the spiritual work ahead, often viewed as a coming-of-age in the faith.
Uniting with the Church: It brings a closer bond with the Church and its mission.
Gifts of the Holy Spirit: It increases and deepens the gifts of the Holy Spirit received in Baptism.
Candidates often select a saint’s name to embody their virtues and choose a sponsor—typically a godparent—to guide them in their spiritual life.
