Categories
A gift for Confirmation?
Confirmation, one of the sacraments of Christian initiation… Yes, yes, during catechism classes this phrase was repeated to us many times. But what does it mean? Confirmation, together with baptism and first communion, marks the entry into the Christian community… With baptism one becomes God’s child, the little one (not yet wise), happy to learn about life from others. With First Communion we become a teenager in the Christian life, we obtain certain rights, we dig deep into the foundations on which to rest our lives. Confirmation is the gateway to adult life in a person’s faith journey. To the rights and knowledge comes the responsibilities to be taken in the Christian community. Does that sound serious? It is serious! That’s why it should be celebrated with family and friends! Knowing the signs and symbols of this sacrament can help you to choose the best ways to make this day memorable.
Signs of Confirmation
Oil chrism – made of olive oil and a fragrant balm. The oil is a sign of abundance. The fragrance is a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit. In ancient medicine, the oil helped heal bruises and sores. The confirmed person is then anointed with oil which heals him and fills him with a serene and peaceful presence.
Imposition of hands: who imposed hands to bless, heal, call for special intervention from His Father? Jesus Himself. The laying on of hands is the very gesture that recalls the presence of the Holy Spirit and His seven gifts. The confirmed will be the fighters and without the inner help of these seven gifts it would be difficult to believe that whoever does not fight for something (great) has already lost anyway.
Slap: it is a sign of military investiture: as in the Roman army the alapa militaris was given (a slap that symbolized a first wound), so also the bishop gives a small slap on the right cheek of the confirmed, making him become the soldier of Christ.
Symbols of Confirmation
Fire: it is no longer the water of John the Baptist, but it is fire. This is not surprising, because it was John the Baptist who said, “he who comes after me (…) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire”. Fire consumes, purifies, leaving only the essentials standing.
The seal: During the ceremony the bishop pronounces the words “Receive the seal of the Holy Spirit which has been given to you as a gift”. The seal leaves a permanent imprint, forever.
The dove: symbol of confirmation, the Holy Spirit and PEACE. Perhaps until recently we took peace as a given. Today, however, it is much clearer to us that we need people with courage, wisdom and intelligence to build peace. In the smallness of every day.
A souvenir of Confirmation
Here you will find a special selection of Made in Loppiano favors to follow the tradition of giving a small gift to the people who give thanks and celebrate this event with you.