For those joining the Catholic faith through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA). Confirmation usually takes place during the Easter Vigil Mass. When it is time for the candidates to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation, they are called forward after an invitation by the Celebrant. The celebrant then holds his hands outstretched over the entire group and recites a prayer. Part of the prayer is "Send your Holy Spirit upon them to be their helper and guide". The prayer continues by asking the Holy Spirit to give wisdom, understanding, right judgment, courage, knowledge and reverence. It is a beautiful prayer and one that I like to hear every year. I do not remember the prayer at my confirmation.
I was confirmed in the sixth grade and probably like many sixth graders I did not recognize important events taking place in my life. I do remember my Confirmation, just not all the specific parts of the sacrament. I remember the Church seemed to be very bright though our Confirmation was at night. Bishop Greco talked to us and asked us questions. I was probably like most of those being confirmed, I raised my hand when I knew the answer and tried to shrink into the pew when I did not. I also remember the light slap we received from Bishop Greco. It was a reminder that we were soldiers of God and should bravely spread the Word of God. To this day I still recall that quick, light slap as something special. It was my initiation. I felt if I had moved into a different stage of my life.
One thing I could not remember was the saint's name I chose for Confirmation. We choose a saint's name as a heavenly patron to us. It is to help those being confirmed develop a deeper understanding of how the communion of saints can guide and assist us in our daily life. Not knowing my confirmation name began to bother me so a few days ago I had my sacrament records searched. You cannot imagine the awe I felt when I found out my Confirmation name was St. Peter. I do not remember why I chose St. Peter so long ago but I immediately thought of Saint Stephen the first martyr of the church. St. Stephen was a deacon. He was chosen by the twelve Apostles. Hands were laid upon him by the Apostles, including St. Peter, my Confirmation name.
I will now always wonder if Saint Peter has been gently guiding me all these years. Over 43 years ago I chose a saint for Confirmation that chose the first Deacon, which I too have become. Do you remember the saint you chose for Confirmation? If not, find out through church records. Review the life of your Confirmation saint again. Can you see similarities or guidance that you may not have recognized before. Pray to your saint. Make your saint part of your life. Let me know what you discover.
One thing I could not remember was the saint's name I chose for Confirmation. We choose a saint's name as a heavenly patron to us. It is to help those being confirmed develop a deeper understanding of how the communion of saints can guide and assist us in our daily life. Not knowing my confirmation name began to bother me so a few days ago I had my sacrament records searched. You cannot imagine the awe I felt when I found out my Confirmation name was St. Peter. I do not remember why I chose St. Peter so long ago but I immediately thought of Saint Stephen the first martyr of the church. St. Stephen was a deacon. He was chosen by the twelve Apostles. Hands were laid upon him by the Apostles, including St. Peter, my Confirmation name.
I will now always wonder if Saint Peter has been gently guiding me all these years. Over 43 years ago I chose a saint for Confirmation that chose the first Deacon, which I too have become. Do you remember the saint you chose for Confirmation? If not, find out through church records. Review the life of your Confirmation saint again. Can you see similarities or guidance that you may not have recognized before. Pray to your saint. Make your saint part of your life. Let me know what you discover.
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