Preparation for confirmation Com REV. JOHN 0 by END, C.S.P. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this booklet is to give those who are to be confirmed fuller knowledge than is found in the Cate- chism on the Sacrament of Confirmation. It also contains the rite of the sacrament with suitable prayers and hymns. THE COMPILER. PRINTED IN THE U. S. A. BY THE PAULIST PRESS, NEW YORK 19 , N. Y. Copyright by The Missionary Society of St. Paul the Apostle in the State of New York Nihil Obstat: Imprimatur : Arthur J. Scanlan, S.T.D., Censor Librorum. Patrick Cardinal Hayes, Archbishop of New York . New York, April 30, 1936. A£Qjo2iO PREPARATION for CONFIRMATION Compiled by REV. JOHN OVEREND, C.S.P. New York THE PAULIST PRESS 401 West 59th Street DeacTdlSid PART ONE (To be memorized) THE SIGN OF THE CROSS In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. THE LORD’S PRAYER Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. THE ANGELICAL SALUTATION Hail Mary, full of grace! the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen. THE APOSTLES’ CREED I believe in God, the Father # Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, Our Lord; Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified; died and was buried. He descended into hell; the third day arose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of Saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrec- tion of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 3 THE CONFITEOR I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary, ever Vir- gin, to blessed Michael the Archangel, to blessed John the Baptist, to the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, word and deed, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beseech blessed Mary, ever Virgin, blessed Michael the Archangel, blessed John the Baptist, the holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and all the Saints to pray to the Lord our God for me. May the Almighty God have mercy on me, and for- give me my sins, and bring me to life everlasting. Amen. May the Almighty and merciful Lord grant me pardon, absolution and remission of all my sins. Amen. Faith THE ACTS O my God! I firmly believe that Thou art one God in three Divine persons, Father, Son and Holy Ghost; I be- lieve that Thy Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths which the Holy Catholic Church teaches, because Thou hast revealed them, Who canst neither deceive nor be deceived. • "• Hope O my God! relying on Thine infinite goodness and promises, I hope to obtain pardon of my sins, the help of Thy grace, and life everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, :ny Lord and Redeemer. Charity O my God! I love Thee above all things, with my whole heart and soul, because Thou art all good and worthy of all 4 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of Thee. I forgive all who have injured me, and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Contrition O my God! I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven, and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 1. I am the Lord thy God; thou shalt not have strange gods before Me. 2. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 3. Remember thou keep holy the Sabbath day. 4. Honor thy father and thy mother. 5. Thou shalt not kill. 6. Thou shalt not commit adultery. 7. Thou shalt not steal. 8. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neigh- bor. 9. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s wife. 10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s goods. THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH 1. To hear Mass on Sundays and holydays of obliga- tion. 2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed. 3. To confess at least once a year. 4. To receive the Holy Eucharist during the Easter time. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 5 5. To contribute to the support of our pastors. 6. Not to marry persons who are not Catholic, or who are related to us within the third degree of kindred, nor privately without witnesses, nor to solemnize marriage at forbidden times. THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS 1. Baptism. 2. Confirmation. 3. Holy Eucharist. 4. Penance. 5. Extreme Unction. 6. Holy Orders. 7. Matrimony. Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from origins sin, makes us Christians, children of God and heirs tr heaven. Confirmation is a Sacrament through which we receive the Holy Ghost to make us strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Christ. The Holy Eucharist is a Sacrament which contains the body and blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. Penance is a Sacrament in which the sins committed after Baptism are forgiven. Extreme Unction is a Sacrament which, through the anointing and prayer of the priest, gives us health and strength to the soul, and sometimes to the body, when we are in danger of death from sickness. Holy Orders is a Sacrament by which bishops, priests and other ministers of the Church are ordained and receive the power and grace to perform their sacred duties. Matrimony is a Sacrament which unites a Christian man and woman in lawful marriage. 6 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION THE HOLYDAYS OF OBLIGATION 1. Three Feasts of Our Lord: — Christmas Day, December 25th. Circumcision or New Year, January 1st. Ascension, 40 days after Easter. 2. Two Feasts of Our Lady: — Assumption of Blessed Virgin, August 15th. Immaculate Conception, December 8th. 3. One Feast of the Saints: — All Saints, November 1st. ' % In Canada, the Feast of Epiphany, January 6th, is ob- served instead of the Feast of the Assumption, August 15th. PART TWO CHAPTER I DIVINE INSTITUTION OF CONFIRMATION 1. When was Confirmation instituted? The exact time at which Confirmation was instituted is not known. It is certain that Christ instituted this Sacra- ment and instructed His Apostles in its use at some time before His ascension into heaven. 2. What promise did Christ make before He left this earth? He promised the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Third Person of the Trinity, the “Spirit of Truth” Whom He would send to teach them all truth, and to remind them of all things, whatsoever He had told them. “I will ask the Father, and He shall give you another Paraclete, that He may abide with you forever” ( John xiv. 16). “You shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you” ( Acts i . 8.) 3. Did Our Lord keep His promise? Yes, ten days after His ascension He sent the Holy Ghost down upon the Apostles in the form of tongues of fire. “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them parted 8 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost : and they began to speak with divers tongues according as the Holy Ghost gave them to speak” (Acts it. 2). 4. What effects did the descent of the Holy Ghost have upon the Apostles? The Apostles were truly confirmed, that is to say, strengthened ; their understanding was fully penetrated with the whole and entire doctrine of Divine Faith; their minds clearly grasped the Divine truths; their will was entirely under His sway so that they fearlessly preached the Gospel to the whole world. 5. What effects did the descent of the Holy Ghost have upon the early Christians? They received a special assistance to enable them to un- dergo great afflictions and severe trials on account of their new faith. 6. What commission did Our Lord give the Apostles? He commanded them to confer the Holy Ghost by the imposition of hands on all who were properly disposed to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. “As the Father hath sent Me, I also send you” ( John xx. 21). 7. Does the Church still practice the ancient custom of imposing hands to call down the Holy Ghost upon those who have been baptized? Yes, the Church still possesses and dispenses the graces of the Holy Ghost in a special sacrament by the imposition of hands through the ministry of the Bishops to the faith- ful after Baptism, PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 9 CHAPTER II NATURE OF CONFIRMATION 1. What is Confirmation? Confirmation is a sacrament of the New Law, instituted by Our Lord Jesus Christ, which strengthens the divine life in us, and gives to those who are baptized the Holy Ghost with all His gifts. 2. Why is it called Confirmation? Because this Sacrament strengthens and perfects the new life which the grace of Jesus Christ bestows in Baptism. 3. What are some of the names given by the Fathers of the Church to the Sacrament of Confirmation? (1) Imposition of hands. (2) The Sacrament of Holy Chrism. (3) The Seal of Our Lord. (4) The Spiritual Seal. (5) Sign by which the Holy Ghost is received. 4. Why is Confirmation a true Sacrament? Because it Ms all the conditions that are required for a Sacrament. (1) An outward sign. (2) An inward grace. (3) The institution by Jesus Christ. 5. What is the outward sign of Confirmation? It is the visible action by which the Sacrament is ad- ministered, and consists of matter and form, which signify the grace to be conferred. 10 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 6. What are the matter and form of Confirmation? (1) The matter of the Sacrament consists in the laying on of the Bishop’s hands, and the anointing with chrism. (2) The form consists in the sacred words pronounced by the Bishop, which express the receiving of the Holy Ghost and the sealing of the soul in Christ Jesus. 7. What is holy Chrism? What does the oil signify? (1) The holy chrism is composed of olive oil and fra- grant balsam blessed by the Bishop on Holy Thursday. (2) The oil signifies the inward strength conferred upon the soul by the Holy Ghost. 8. What does the balsam mixed with oil signify? Balsam is mixed with oil when it is consecrated by the Bishop to signify that he who is to be confirmed receives the grace to keep himself free from sinful corruption and to send forth the sweet odor of a holy life. 9. What does the Bishop say when he consecrates the chrism ? “God grant this virtue to the chrism of the Holy Ghost, that by the sanctification infused by chrism, the corruption of the first birth may be absorbed, the holy temple of each one may breathe the lovely odor of an innocent life.” 10. Is Confirmation necessary for salvation? Confirmation is not, like Baptism, absolutely necessary for salvation. But all Catholics ought to receive it if they have the opportunity as it confers sacramental grace. 11. Is it a sin to neglect Confirmation? It is a sin to neglect Confirmation, especially in these evil days when faith and morals are exposed to so many and such violent temptations. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 11 CHAPTER III EFFECTS OF CONFIRMATION 1. What are the effects of Confirmation? The principal effects of Confirmation are: ( 1 ) An increase of sanctifying grace received in Baptism. (2) The strengthening of our faith. (3) The gifts of the Holy Ghost. (4) An indelible mark imprinted on our souls. 2. Name the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Wisdom, Understanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowl- edge, Piety and the Fear of the Lord. 3. Explain the purpose of the various gifts. Wisdom gives us a relish for the things of God and di- rects our whole life and all our actions to His honor and glory. Understanding enables us to know more clearly the mysteries of faith. Counsel warns us of the deceits of the devil and of the dangers to salvation. Fortitude strengthens us to do the will of God in all things. Knowledge enables us to discover the will of God in all things. Piety makes us love God as a Father, and obey Him be- cause we love Him. Fear of the Lord fills us with a dread of sin. 4. Name the fruits of the Holy Ghost. Charity, Joy, Peace, Patience, Benignity, Goodness, Longanimity, Faith, Modesty, Continency and Chastity. 12 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 5. Explain the fruits of the Holy Ghost. Charity consists in the love of God and our neighbor. Joy is that fruit which fills the soul with holy consola- tion. Peace produces tranquillity of soul in the midst of con- tradictions. Patience disposes the soul to be resigned and composed in suffering and trials. Benignity inclines us to be charitable in our sentiments towards our neighbors. Goodness denotes a readiness to be benevolent, wherever and whenever we can towards all. Longanimity inclines us to bear with our own infirmi- ties, faults and imperfections and with those of our neigh- bors. Mildness restrains man’s anger and disposes the soul to bear quietly the evils done to us by others. Faith, or fidelity, helps us to keep our promises. Modesty is a virtue which regulates our exterior actions. Continency preserves purity in thoughts, words and ac- tions. Chastity keeps our mind and body in that purity de- manded by our state in life. CHAPTER IV THE MINISTER OF CONFIRMATION 1. Who has the power to confirm? The power to confirm resides in the Bishops of the Church, who, succeeding the Apostles, are the ordinary ministers of Confirmation. 2. Who is the extraordinary minister of Confirmation? The extraordinary minister of Confirmation is a priest who has received the power by special delegation of the Apostolic See, % PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 13 # 3. Can the extraordinary minister consecrate the chrism used in Confirmation? No, he must use the chrism which has been consecrated by the Bishop. 4. What must an extraordinary minister do before con- ferring Confirmation? He must announce beforehand that while a Bishop is the ordinary minister, he, himself, has a special power from the Holy See to confer the Sacrament; and he must use the same rite as the Bishop. 5. When may Confirmation be administered? Confirmation may be administered at any time of the year, at any hour even in the evening if the Bishop should so arrange. 6. Where does the Bishop confirm? The proper place of the ceremony is in the church, but the Bishop for a reasonable cause may confer the Sacra- ment in any becoming place. CHAPTER V DISPOSITIONS FOR CONFIRMATION 1. Who can be confirmed? Anyone who has been baptized but not yet confirmed can receive this Sacrament. 2. Has the Church ever confirmed infants? Yes, in the early days of Christianity and even now in certain Eastern countries the Church confirms infants im- mediately after Baptism. 14 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION t 3. At what age is Confirmation usually administered? In most parts of the Church at the present day only those who have attained the use of reason are admitted to Confirmation. 4. Which are the conditions required for receiving Con- firmation ? (1) The person must be a baptized Catholic. (2) He should be in the state of grace; that is, free from all mortal sin. (3) He should take a saint’s name, one different from his baptismal name. (4) He should be well instructed in the principal doc- trines of his Faith. 5. What knowledge should a person have who is to be confirmed? He should know the Lord’s Prayer, the Angelical Salu- tation, the Apostles’ Creed, the Commandments of God, the Precepts of the Church, the Doctrine of the Sacraments, especially the nature and effects of the Sacrament of Con- firmation. 6. What should be the dispositions of the soul of the person to be confirmed? He should make a worthy confession and spend some time in recollection so as to be prepared to receive the Holy Ghost with His sevenfold gifts. 7. Must the Sacrament of Confirmation be received fasting ? No, today candidates for Confirmation are not required to be fasting. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 15 8. What would happen should a person present himself to receive Confirmation knowing himself to be in the state of mortal sin? He would commit a grave sin of sacrilege and while the Sacrament would be received, he would not receive its graces until he made a good confession and received absolution. CHAPTER VI THE CEREMONIES OF CONFIRMATION 1. How is Confirmation administered? (1) The Bishop about to confirm, with his hand ex- tended towards those to be confirmed, prays that the Holy Ghost descend upon them with His sevenfold gifts. (2) He lays his hand upon each one, Anointing him with holy chrism on the forehead by the Sign of the Cross and pronouncing the sacramental words . (3) He gently strokes each one on the cheek, and finally gives all who have been confirmed his blessing . 2. Why is the forehead anointed with the Sign of the Cross? ( 1 ) To teach us that sacramental grace is given in vir- tue of the sacrifice of the Cross only. (2) To remind those confirmed that they must not be ashamed to profess boldly their faith in Christ Jesus cruci- fied. (3) That by this sacred unction the soul is sealed in the Holy Ghost with a spiritual indelible mark, which en- rolls those confirmed forever in the service of Christ. 3. What does the Bishop say in anointing the person he confirms? He says: “I sign thee with the Sign of the Cross, and I 16 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION confirm thee with the chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.” 4. What does the Bishop say when he gives the blow on the cheek of those confirmed? He says: “Peace be to you.” 5. What does the blow on the cheek signify? It reminds them that by Confirmation they were strengthened to suffer; and if necessary, even to die for Christ. 6. How should the candidates present themselves for Confirmation? (1) They should appear in decent or modest dress. (2) They should have their foreheads neat, and the hair so arranged as to leave the forehead free to be anointed. (3) They should approach the altar with due reverence and with hands joined before their breast. 7. What do we hand to the Bishop’s assistant as we kneel to receive the Sacrament? We hand him a small card which contains the name of the patron saint chosen at Confirmation; also the baptismal and family name and the name of the sponsor. 8. What should candidates do when about to be con- firmed? (1) They should most fervently ask for the gifts of the Holy Ghost. (2) They should promise to live and die as loyal and faithful soldiers of Christ. (3) They should be present from the beginning of the sacred rite and remain till the Bishop has given the bene- diction. . PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 1 ? 9. Why is a new name taken in Confirmation? The candidate for Confirmation takes another name to the one received in Baptism to remind him: (1) that he is to place himself under the protection of another patron saint, whom he chooses as his advocate before God; (2) that he is to follow the exemplary life of the new patron, re- maining steadfast until death. 10. What penance does the Bishop give to those he has confirmed? He tells them to say the Apostles’ Creed, the Our Father and Hail Mary as a penance. CHAPTER VII SPONSORS AND PARENTS 1. Why are sponsors taken in Confirmation? Sponsors in Confirmation, like those in Baptism, present the candidates to the Bishop and undertake to see that the child is brought up in the Catholic Faith and in the prac- tice of its religion. 2. What is required of sponsors in Confirmation? ( 1 ) They must be practical Catholics. (2) They must have been confirmed and able to fulfill their duties as spiritual guardians. (3) They must be different from the baptismal spon- sors. 3. How many sponsors are necessary? There should be one sponsor for each candidate: a god- father for boys, a godmother for girls 18 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 4. May one or two sponsors stand for all the candidates? When it is altogether impossible for the candidates to have each his own sponsor, at least two men shall act as sponsors for the boys and two women as sponsors for the girls. 5. Who chooses the sponsor? The sponsor is chosen by the candidate or by his parents or guardians; otherwise by the Bishop or parish priest. 6. What are the duties of sponsors during Confirma- tion? ( 1 ) They should accompany the candidates and present them to the Bishop at the altar. (2) While the candidate is being confirmed, they should physically touch his shoulder with their right hand, standing immediately behind him. 7. What are the duties of sponsors after Confirmation? They should take a permanent interest in their spiritual children and should see that they receive a Christian educa- tion wherever the parents fail in this duty. 8. Does the Sponsor contract a spiritual relationship? Sponsors contract a spiritual relationship with the per- sons for whom they stood, but this is no longer an impedi- ment to marriage. 9. May clerics or members of religious orders act as sponsors? No, for this is forbidden without special permission. 10. What are the duties of parents whose children are to be confirmed? (1) They should not neglect to have their children re- ceive the Sacrament at the proper time. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 19 (2) They must send them regularly to the preparatory instructions. (3) They should assist them in order to make a good confession before receiving Confirmation. (4) After Confirmation they must insist that their chil- dren receive the Sacraments of Penance and of Holy Eucha- rist frequently. 11. What are the duties of the confirmed? Those who have been confirmed should: (1) Thank God the Holy Ghost for the graces be- stowed upon the soul. (2) Promise steadfastly to profess their faith and live up to it. (3) Celebrate the anniversary day of Confirmation. PART THREE PRAYERS BEFORE CONFIRMATION Prayer for Obtaining Right Dispositions for Receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation O my God, through Thy great mercy, I have received three of Thy most holy sacraments ; the first to make me Thy child, the second to efface the stains which sin had made in my soul, the third to unite me with Thy Divine Son. Grant, then, I beseech Thee, that the sacrament which I am now preparing to receive, may avail to the making me a perfect Christian; that it may give me strength and courage to combat my evil habits, to overcome all my temptations, to conform myself perfectly to Thy law, and to become a true soldier of Jesus Christ, ready to suffer anything rather than renounce His holy religion, and to maintain it, if need be, even at the peril of my life. This I most earnestly beseech Thee, O my God, through the merits of Thy Son Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee forever and ever. Amen. Prayer for the Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost O almighty and eternal God, Thou hast vouchsafed to adopt me for Thy child in the holy sacrament of Baptism; Thou hast granted me the remission of my sins at the tri- bunal of penance; Thou hast made me to sit at Thy holy table, and hast fed me with the bread of angels; perfect in me, I beseech Thee, all these benefits. Grant unto me the spirit of Wisdom, that I may despise the perishable things of this world, and love the things that are eternal; the spirit of Understanding, to enlighten me and to give me the knowl- edge of religion ; the spirit of Counsel, that I may diligently seek the surest ways of pleasing God and obtaining heaven; the spirit of Fortitude, that I may overcome with courage all the obstacles that oppose my salvation ; the spirit of Knowl- PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 21 edge that I may be enlightened in the ways of God; the spirit of Piety, that I may find the service of God both sweet and amiable; the spirit of Fear, that I may be filled with a loving reverence towards God, and may dread in any way to displease Him. Seal me, in Thy mercy, with the seal of a disciple of Jesus Christ, unto everlasting life; and grant that, carrying the Cross upon my forehead, I may carry it also in my heart, and confessing Thee boldly before men, may merit to be one day reckoned in the number of Thy elect. Amen. Prayer for the Twelve Fruits of the Holy Ghost O Holy Spirit, Eternal Love of the Father and the Son, vouchsafe to grant unto me, I beseech Thee, the fruit of Charity, that I may be united to Thee by divine love; the fruit of Joy, that I may be filled with a holy consolation; the fruit of Peace, that I may enjoy inward tranquillity of soul ; the fruit of Patience, that I may endure humbly every thing that may be opposed to my own desires; the fruit of Benignity, that I may willingly relieve the necessities of my neighbor; the fruit* of Goodness, that I may be benevolent towards all; the fruit of Longanimity, that I may not be discouraged by delay, but may persevere in prayer; the fruit of Mildness, that I may subdue every rising of evil temper, stifle every murmur, and repress the susceptibilities • of my nature, in all my dealings with my neighbor; the fruit of Fidelity, that I may rely, with assured confidence, on the word of God; the fruit of Modesty, that I may order my exterior regularly; the fruits of Continency and Chastity, that I may keep my body in such holiness as becometh Thy temple, so that, having, by Thy assistance, preserved my heart pure on earth, I may merit, in Jesus Christ, according to the words of the Gospel, to see God eternally in the glory of His Kingdom. Amen. 22 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION ACTS BEFORE CONFIRMATION An Act of Faith 0 Holy Spirit, I firmly believe that I am about to re- ceive Thee in the Sacrament of Confirmation. I believe it because Thou hast said it, and Thou art the Truth itself. An Act of Hope Relying on Thy infinite goodness, O Holy and Sancti- fying Spirit, I confidently hope, that, receiving Thee in the Sacrament of Confirmation, I shall receive the abundance of Thy graces. I trust in Thee that Thou wilt make me a perfect Christian, and that Thou wilt give me strength to confess the Faith, even at the peril of my life. An Act of Charity 1 love Thee, O Holy Spirit, with all my heart, and with all my soul, above all things, because Thou art infinitely good and worthy to be loved. Kindle in my heart the fire of Thy love; and grant that, having received Thee in the Sacrament of Confirmation, I may faithfully perform all the duties of my state, to the end of my life. A PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRMATION O God of infinite goodness, receive, I beseech Thee, my • most humble and hearty thanks, for all the favors which Thou hast bestowed upon me, from the very moment of my birth; particularly for that Thou hast been pleased to rank me among those who are now about to be set apart and consecrated to Thee by the Sacrament of Confirmation. Thou offerest me the greatest of Thy gifts; Thou art about to seal my soul with the sacred character of a soldier of Jesus Christ, and to send Thy Holy Spirit down upon me, PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 23 that He may abide within me continually. O my good and merciful Father, encouraged by such special marks of predi- lection, I venture to implore, with humble confidence, that Thou wouldst Thyself infuse into my heart all the disposi- tions necessary for its becoming the habitation of such a guest. Alas! O my God, I am far from possessing those sentiments of faith, love, humility, and fervor, which ought now to animate my soul; but all things are possible with Thee, and Thou hast promised to give to them that ask. I most sincerely detest all the sins of my whole life; every fault, every imperfect inclination, which may be an obstacle to the graces which Thou desirest to bestow on Thy un- worthy child. Vouchsafe, O my God, to purify my soul from every stain, by the infinite merits of the death and pas- sion of Thy dear Son. I most sincerely resolve to serve Thee faithfully all the days of my life; but, of myself, I am unable to do that which I desire and resolve to do; there- fore I beseech Thee to impart to me the graces of Thy Holy Spirit, that, like the Apostles, I may be endowed with strength from on high, and inspired with courage and reso- lution, to prove myself the disciple of Thy Son. I ardently desire to receive this most precious gift; but do Thou, O God, render my desire still stronger and more ardent, and accept, I beseech Thee, on my behalf, the fervent desires that animated the heart of the Blessed Virgin and the holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost, and let their perfect dis- positions supply in all things my deficiencies, through Christ Our Lord, Who, with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever liveth and reigneth God, world without end. Amen. 24 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION HYMN BEFORE CONFIRMATION Veni Creator Spiritus Veni Creator Spiritus! Mentes tuorum visita, Imple superna gratia, Quae tu creasti pectora. Qui diceris Paraclitus, Altissimi donum Dei, Fons vivus, ignis, caritas, Et spiritalis unctio. Tu septiformis munere, Digitus Paternae dexterae, Tu rite promissum Patris, Sermone ditans guttura. Accende lumen sensibus, Infunde amorem cordibus, Infirma nostri corporis Virtute firmans perpeti. Hostem repellas longius, Pacemque dones protinus; Ductore sic te praevio Vitemus omne noxium. Per te sciamus da Patrem, Noscamus atque Filium, Teque utriusque Spiritum Credamus omni tempore. Deo Patri sit gloria Et filio, qui a mortuis Surrexit, ac Paraclito, In saeculorum saecula. Amen. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 25 THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION The Bishop, Wearing over his rochet an amice, stole, and cope of white color, and having a mitre on his head, proceeds to the faldstool, before the middle of the Altar, or has it placed for him in some other convenient place, and sits thereon, with his back to the Altar and his face towards the people, holding his crosi&* in his left hand. He washes his hands, still sitting; then, laying aside his mitre, he arises, and standing with his face towards the persons to be confirmed, and having his hands joined before his breast (the persons to be con- firmed kneeling, and having their hands also joined before their breasts), he says: May the Holy Ghost descend upon you, and may the power of the Most High preserve you from sins. R. Amen. Then, signing himself with the Sign of the Cross, from his fore- head to his. breast, he says: V. Our help is in the name of the Lord. R. Who hath made heaven and earth. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord bp with you. R. And with thy spirit. Then, with hands extended towards those to be confirmed, he says: Let Us Pray Almighty and Eternal God, Who hast vouchsafed to re- generate these Thy servants by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgiveness of all their sins: send forth from heaven upon them Thy sevenfold Spirit, the Holy Comforter. R . Amen. V. The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding. R. Amen. 26 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION V. The Spirit of Counsel and Fortitude. R. Amen. V. The Spirit of Knowledge and Piety. . R. Amen. Fill them with the spirit of Thy Fear, and sign them with the sign of the (^ross ^ of Christ, in Thy mercy, unto life eternal. Through the same Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the same Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen. The Bishop, sitting on the faldstool, or, if the number of persons to be confirmed requires it, standing, with his mitre on his head, con- firms them, arranged in rows and kneeling in order. He inquires separately the name of each person to be confirmed, who is presented to him by the godfather or godmother, kneeling; and having dipped the end of the thumb of his right hand in Chrism, he says: (Name). I sign thee with the Sign of the Cross. £< Whilst saying these words he makes the Sign of the Cross, with his thumb, on the forehead of the person to be confirmed, and then says: And I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father ^ and of the Son, J* and of the Holy Ghost. R. Amen. Then he strikes him gently on the cheek, saying: Peace be with thee. When all have been confirmed, the Bishop wipes his hands with bread crumbs, and washes them over a basin. In the meantime the following Antiphon is sung or read by the clergy: Confirm, O God, that which Thou hast wrought in us, from Thy holy temple which is in Jerusalem. V . Glory be to the Father, etc. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 27 Then the Antiphon “Confirm, O God” is repeated; after which the Bishop laying aside his mitre, rises up, and standing towards the Altar, with his hands joined before his breast, says: V. O Lord show Thy mercy upon us. R. And grant us Thy salvation. V. O Lord, hear my prayer. R. And let my cry come unto Thee. V. The Lord be with you. R. And with thy spirit. Then, with his hands still joined before his breast, and all the persons confirmed devoutly kneeling, he says: O God, Who didst give to Thine Apostles the Holy Ghost, and didst ordain that by them and their successors He should be given to the rest of the faithful ; look mercifully upon our unworthy service; and grant that the hearts of those whose foreheads we have anointed with holy chrism, and signed with the Sign of the Holy Cross, may, by the same Holy Spirit, coming down upon them, and graciously abiding within them, be made the temple of His glory. Who, with the Father and the same Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, God, world without end. R. Amen. Then he says: Behold, thus shall every man be blessed that feareth the Lord. And, turning to the persons confirmed, he makes over them the Sign of the Cross, saying: May the Lord ^ bless you out of Sion, that you may *see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life, and may have life everlasting. R. Amen. 28 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION HYMN AFTER CONFIRMATION Te Deum Holy God, we praise Thy name! Lord of all we bow before Thee! All on earth Thy sceptre claim, All in heav’n above adore Thee; Infinite Thy vast domain, Everlasting is Thy name. Hark! the loud celestial hymn, Angel choirs above are singing! Cherubim and Seraphim In unceasing chorus praising, Fill the heavens with sweet accord: Holy! Holy! Holy Lord. Lo! the apostolic train Join Thy sacred name to hallow! Prophets swell the loud refrain, And with white-robed martyrs follow: And from morn till set of sun, Through the Church the song goes on. Holy Father, Holy Son, Holy Spirit, Three we name Thee; While in essence only One, Undivided God we claim Thee; And adoring bend the knee, While we own the mystery. Thou art King of glory, Christ! Son of God, yet born of Mary, For us sinners, sacrificed, And to death a tributary: First to break the bars of death, Thou hast open’d Heav’n to Faith, PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 29 PRAYERS AFTER CONFIRMATION On returning to your place, after having been confirmed, consecrate some moments to thank God for the graces He has so mercifully bestowed upon you in the Sacrament of Confirmation. Imagine you are among the Apostles after the descent of the Holy Ghost, and join most devoutly in the transports with which they glorified God. Renew your good resolutions; place yourself under the protection of the most Holy Virgin, praying the august Spouse of the Holy Ghost to obtain for you grace to remain faithful to the Divine inspirations, and to perform all that you have prom- ised, for the glory of God and your own salvation. * * * * O my good and merciful Creator, O my most loving Fa- , ther, and hast Thou indeed so far overlooked my misery and my unworthiness as to make my soul the tabernacle of Thy Holy Spirit! , Am I indeed now honored with the pres- ence, and enriched with the gifts and graces of the Holy Ghost! Yes, Lord, I confidently hope that Thou hast not been deaf to my petitions, and that I am now in possession of that sacred gift which I so ardently desired. O my God, accept the praises of Thy angels and saints, in thanksgiving for Thy unbounded mercies towards me. May the blessed Mother of Thy Divine Son, and the glorious choir of Apos- tles, thank Thee for me. May the Cross of Jesus Christ, with which my forehead hath been signed, defend me from all my enemies, and save me at the last day. May the in- ward unction of sanctifying grace, figured by the chrism with which I have been anointed, penetrate my soul, soften my heart, strengthen my will, and consecrate my whole be- ing to Thy service. 30 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION An Act of Thanksgiving O Holy Spirit, although I am unable to understand all the greatness of the benefit which Thou hast now bestowed upon me, in communicating Thyself unto me with the abundance of Thy graces; I return Thee my most humble thanks for Thy unspeakable gift, and I beseech Thee to ac- cept the grateful homage of my heart, which I here offer to Thy Divine Majesty. Oh, let this marvelous grace, which has imprinted on my soul the character of a perfect Chris- tian, remain forever engraven there, and excite within me a never-failing gratitude. An Act of Consecration O Divine Spirit, Who, of Thy pure bounty and infinite goodness, hast given Thyself to me, notwithstanding my great unworthiness, how could I be so ungrateful as not to give myself wholly to Thee! Receive, then, I beseech Thee, the offering which I make to Thee of all I am. I consecrate to Thee my mind with all its thoughts ; my soul with all its faculties; my heart with all its affections: henceforth Thou shalt be the God of my heart, and my portion forever. Perfect, O Divine Spirit, what Thou hast begun in me; strengthen the good desires with which Thou hast inspired me, and make me ever wholly on fire with the love of Thee. An Act of Petition O Holy and Sanctifying Spirit, Thy love towards me hath lavished upon me all Thy gifts, and it is Thy powerful protection alone that can preserve them to me. I possess this most precious treasure in a frail and earthen vessel: strengthen my weakness, I beseech Thee, and grant that henceforth I may show myself worthy of the glorious title of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Rather let me die than drive Thee from my heart. PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION 31 A PRAYER TO BE SAID BEFORE LEAVING THE CHURCH O Lord, I am about to leave this holy place, in which Thy Holy Spirit hath vouchsafed to visit my soul. I am go- ing to return to the world, whose whole spirit is opposed to the mind of Jesus Christ. Withdraw not Thyself from me, O Most Holy Spirit; give me not up to its malice and wicked- ness. Let Thy love embrace me on every side. Suffer not that this forehead, on which the holy unction is still glisten- ing, should ever be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, nor the members of my body, which is now become Thy temple, should ever be dishonored and defiled by sin. O, may my heart never resist Thee, O most blessed Spirit, but ever yield to the impressions of Thy grace; for Thou art the Spirit of wisdom and the Spirit of strength, and Thou only canst accomplish in me those good desires with which Thou inspirest me. Amen. * In this spirit every Christian ought to live after he is confirmed; for to this he is most certainly bound, by the perfection of the Sacrament. Although weakness, cowardice, and human respect may be somewhat excused in such as, through no fault of theirs, have not yet been confirmed, there can be no excuse for those who have received this Sacrament. For the principal design and effect of this holy ordinance is, to strengthen Christians against the snares and power of the devil, the world, and the flesh; to take from them the fear of men; to enable them to confess openly and follow perseveringly, the sacred rules of the Gospel; esteem only Jesus to be their Master, and enter into no other warfare but His. To this end they are invested with the whole armor of Christ, that they may stand firm before persecutors and tyrants, who would do violence to their faith; and particularly before the people of the world, who offend against those sacred rules by their actions, by their words, by their excesses, by their vanities, or who 32 PREPARATION FOR CONFIRMATION otherwise join with the enemies of the Cross, in overthrow- ing that law which the servants of Christ are bound to as- sert and maintain unto death. A PRAYER FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE GRACE OF CONFIRMATION O my Lord and my God. I have received, through Thy mercy, the holy sacrament of Confirmation; preserve, I be- seech Thee, in my soul, and renew therein continually, the powerful effects of this divine ordinance, that I may be enabled henceforth to perform all its obligations, and to live according to the spirit of a true and perfect Christian. I have been enlisted into Thy heavenly army, and have re- ceived the character of a soldier of Jesus Christ: grant that, always and in all places, I may prove myself the faithful servant of Him, in Whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Spirit, and, shedding forth the odor of a holy life, may edify my neighbor by my good example. Grant, I most humbly beseech Thee, that neither the world, nor the customs of the world, may infect my soul with their pernicious maxims, and that its vain flatteries and allurements may never make any impression on my soul. Assist me by Thy grace, that I may firmly reject the dangerous solicitations of the worldly, and hearken not to the poisonous discourses of the unbelieving; and may I endeavor, by my counsel and ex- ample, to prevent my brethren in the Faith from being en- snared by their deceitful words, or falling a prey to their malicious wickedness, ever seeking to draw others to the same abyss of error and destruction. Grant me, O my God, such purity of intention, such true humility and strength of faith, that my whole heart and mind being raised above all earthly things, and the illusions of a false philosophy, I may seek but Thee, put my trust only in Thy Divine Word, and firmly adhere to the decisions of Thy Church, which alone can surely guide the learned and the ignorant into the way of truth and everlasting life. Amen. “Blessed be those who realize that great work lor a new and just order is not pos- sible unless their eyes are lifted to GOD, keeper and ordainer of all human events, initial source, guardian and avenger of all justice and right”—Pope Pius XII. A SET OF 6 PAMPHLETS ON God in the Post-War World "GOD—MAN'S FIRST NEED" Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R. "GOD IN THE HOME" Rev. John A. O'Brien, Ph.D., LL.D. "GOD IN EDUCATION" Rev. Robert I. Gannon, S.J. "GOD IN SOCIETY" Rev. Gerald C. Treacy, S.J. "GOD IN ECONOMIC LIFE" Rev. Wilfrid Parsons, S.J. "GOD IN GOVERNMENT" Rev. James M. Gillis, C.S.P. One complete set postpaid 35c 5c each, $3.85 the 100 postpaid $32.00 the 1,000 postpaid THE PAULIST PRESS PRINTERS AND PUBLISHERS 401 West 59th Street New York 19, N. Y. THE PAULIST PRESS 401 West 59th Street New York