By Trina Chong
During the rite of Confirmation, the bishop places his hands on the confirmand’s head and traces a cross with the Oil of Holy Chrism across his/her forehead. Most confirmands will also adopt the name of a saint or biblical character as their confirmation name. This symbolises the confirmand’s renewed identity as an anointed, mature member of the Church.
In Singapore, baptised Catholics are typically confirmed at the age of 15-17. The sacrament is ideally received at an age when they have experienced what it is like to live the Christian life and are ready to personally affirm the vows made on their behalf at baptism. A person can only validly receive confirmation once in their lifetime.
Just as the apostles were granted the full outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, Confirmation seals confirmands with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. In this sacrament of initiation, the invisible grace of God is made visible through the Oil of Holy Chrism. Confirmands enter into a deeper union with the Church and are appointed by name to live out the mission of Christ.
