'When the Apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John. Who, when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost; for He was not as yet come upon any of them, but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost' (Acts viii. 14-17). 'They [the disciples of Ephesus] were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus; and when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied' (Acts xix. 5, 6). 2 The holy Fathers designate this Sacrament by various names; as Confirmation (i.e., strengthening). Imposition of hands, Sealing, Unction, Chrism, Mystery of the Holy Ghost 'The Sacrament of Chrism,' says St. Augustine, 'is just as holy as Baptism.' 3 History attests that even in the earliest days of the Church the Bishops travelled about to lay their hands on those that were baptized, and to call down the Holy Ghost upon them.
3. What are the effects of Confirmation?
1. Confirmation increases sanctifying grace in us; 2. It gives us the Holy Ghost, to enable us to fight against evil and to grow in virtue; and 3. It imprints on us, as soldiers of Christ, a spiritual mark which can never be effaced.
'He that confirmeth us with you in Christ, and that hath anointed us, is God: who also hath sealed us, and given the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts' (2 Cor. i. 21, 22).
4. Who has power to confirm?
The Bishops, as Successors of the Apostles, have power to confirm; in urgent cases, however, the Pope can delegate this power also to a Priest who is not a Bishop.
5. How does the Bishop give Confirmation?
He extends his hands over all those who are to be confirmed, and prays for them all in general, that the Holy Ghost may come down upon them; then he lays his hand upon each one in particular, and anoints him with holy chrism; and he concludes by giving to all in common the Episcopal Benediction.
6. How does the Bishop anoint those to be confirmed?
He makes the sign of the Cross with holy chrism upon
