A recent reflection on the sacrament of confirmation by Bishop Robert Barron as published in the Catholic Anchor got me thinking back on my 26 years confirming Catholics. Conferring the sacrament of confirmation has always been a great joy in my ministry as bishop, but in looking back over the years I can see that my message changed at some point. That is, of course, because the world has changed a great deal since 1990.
In my early days as a bishop I was inspired deeply by the words of the founder of my religious community the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Saint Eugene DeMazenod, as he wrote in his retreat notes of December 1812: “my chief occupation will be to love (Jesus), my chief concern to make him loved.” My own message to those being confirmed was precisely that the Holy Spirit would enable us to grow in that love personally and give witness to it before the world.
The condition of the human family of today, however, presents a new set of circumstances that we cannot avoid or ignore.
There are very real threats of anti-Christian violence and even death in various parts of the world. Also, in our own society, there exists an aggressive secularism which threatens our religious freedom. Whether on the national, state or local level, we are being forced to defend the freedom that we have always taken for granted — the freedom to follow our consciences as formed by the Gospel. It is thus more important than ever to know our faith and be able to defend it. In his article mentioned above, Bishop Barron points out the value of the gifts of the Holy Spirit as given in confirmation for our everyday lives as we live our faith. In general, he points out: “(Confirmation) is the sacrament of strengthening, as the term itself (“confirmare” in Latin) suggests. First, it strengthens baptized people in their relationship with the Lord Jesus and then it further strengthens them in their capacity to defend and spread the faith.”
In a very real sense this sacrament of confirmation and its mission to live out our baptism in the world was foreseen by by those gathered at the Second Vatican Council more than 50 years ago in the document on the task of the laity. In the document we read: “Certainly the command of Jesus: ‘go and preach the Gospel’ always maintains its vital value and its ever – pressing obligation. Nevertheless, the present situation not only of the world but also of many parts of the church, absolutely demands that the word of Christ receive a more ready and generous obedience. Every disciple is personally called by name; no disciple can withhold making response: “Woe to me, if I do not preach the Gospel.” (1 Cor. 9:16)
Thus in our confirmation services here in the archdiocese each candidate is called by name prior to being confirmed. It is a reminder to each that the sacraments of initiation are not some kind of accomplishment for which one is to be congratulated but a mission given to each for the good of Christ’s body, the church.
'Young Alaskans confirmed to proclaim Gospel'
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