The Advocate

The Sacrament of Confirmation has undergone some theological development in recent decades. Once creating Soldiers for Christ, it is now understood as the fulfillment of the Sacrament of Baptism. In Baptism, the Priest pours water and administers a First Anointing; in Confirmation, this Anointing is completed by the Bishop, who then “lays hands” on the Confirmand, an ancient gesture that bestows the Holy Spirit in a manner unique to both the Sacrament itself and to the recipient, the Confirmand.
 
There are references to the Sacrament in Sacred Scripture, especially in the fourteenth chapter of Saint John’s Gospel: “If you love me [says Jesus] you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of Truth… I will not leave you orphans.” And later in that same chapter: “The Advocate, the Holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name: He will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.”
 
As one of the seven Sacraments, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of Baptismal Grace. It unites the person more firmly with Christ and strengthens one’s bonds with the Church. Along with Baptism, Confirmation endows an indelible seal upon the recipient, which is why these two Sacraments are the only two that are administered only once, where the others can be repeated.
 
We have four Confirmands in our parish this year, Confirmed by Bishop Coyne on April 24th. They are Katheryn Barquinero, Semilli Blake, Mia Koponen and Luke Racicot. They have chosen Confirmation names which reflect their desire to emulate the lives of the Saints, on whom they can call in the future when struggles in the Faith might arise. Katheryn has chosen the name Antoinette after the 17th-century St. Antoinette de Saint-Étienne, a Native Canadian Religious Missionary. Semilli has chosen Saint Teresa of Avila. Mia has chosen Saint Anne. Luke has chosen Saint Francis of Assisi.
 
Our hope for these young people is that they will be able to take the instruction they have received through the years, apply it to their growing lives, and allow their faith to guide them in future moral and life choices. They now take some personal responsibility for the living of their faith, pointing their lives toward the Kingdom of heaven as they make their way into the world. Listening to the urgings of the Holy Spirit, who is imparted in a special way in this Sacrament, they will come to know their true vocation in the Church and in the world. We must remember them in our prayers this weekend, but also in the years to come so that they might be guided by the Holy Spirit in all manner of life. We extend our congratulations and best wishes for God’s choicest blessings as they make this commitment to Our Lord Jesus Christ in their Catholic Faith.