THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

The relationship between the Holy Spirit and the Sacrament of Confirmation is one of fullness and strengthening: The Sacrament of Confirmation pours out the Holy Spirit abundantly on the baptized, spiritually repeating the grace that the apostles received on the day of Pentecost.

Whereas in Baptism the Holy Spirit is received for the first time to erase sin and be born to a new life, in Confirmation this bond is consolidated and brought to perfection.

The Holy Spirit grants in fullness His seven gifts (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of God) to perfect the virtues of the baptized person (Filling of the Seven Gifts).

It unites the Christian in a more intimate and profound way with the Church and with its evangelizing mission (more perfect ecclesial bond) The Holy Spirit marks the confirmed with an indelible spiritual seal (a mark

which is not erased), which means that the sacrament can only be received once in a lifetime (Character and spiritual imprint).

It gives the divine strength necessary to defend, live and confess the Christian faith with courage, both in word and with daily actions (Strength to be a witness).

 Fr. Claudio