Saturday, July 7, 2012
267. What is the essential rite of Confirmation? (part 1)
(Comp
267) The essential rite of Confirmation is the anointing with Sacred Chrism
(oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by the bishop), which is done by the
laying on of the hand of the minister who pronounces the sacramental words
proper to the rite. In the West this anointing is done on the forehead of the
baptized with the words, “Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. In the
Eastern Churches of the Byzantine rite this anointing is also done on other
parts of the body with the words, “The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit”.
“In brief”
(CCC 1320)
The essential rite of Confirmation is anointing the forehead of the baptized
with sacred chrism (in the East other sense-organs as well), together with the
laying on of the minister's hand and the words: "Accipe signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti" (Be sealed with the
Gift of the Holy Spirit.) in the Roman Rite, or Signaculum doni Spiritus Sancti [the seal of the gift of the Holy
Spirit] in the Byzantine rite.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC
1290) In the first
centuries Confirmation generally comprised one single celebration with Baptism,
forming with it a "double sacrament," according to the expression of
St. Cyprian. Among other reasons, the multiplication of infant baptisms all
through the year, the increase of rural parishes, and the growth of dioceses
often prevented the bishop from being present at all baptismal celebrations. In
the West the desire to reserve the completion of Baptism to the bishop caused
the temporal separation of the two sacraments. The East has kept them united,
so that Confirmation is conferred by the priest who baptizes. But he can do so
only with the "myron" consecrated by a bishop (Cf. CCEO, Can. 695 §
1; 696 § 1). (CCC 1291) A custom of the Roman
Church facilitated the development of the Western practice: a double anointing
with sacred chrism after Baptism. The first anointing of the neophyte on coming
out of the baptismal bath was performed by the priest; it was completed by a
second anointing on the forehead of the newly baptized by the bishop (Cf. St.
Hippolytus, Trad. Ap. 21: SCh 11,
80-95). The first anointing with sacred chrism, by the priest, has remained
attached to the baptismal rite; it signifies the participation of the one
baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ. If Baptism
is conferred on an adult, there is only one post-baptismal anointing, that of
Confirmation.
On reflection
(CCC
1292) The practice of
the Eastern Churches gives greater emphasis to the unity of Christian
initiation. That of the Latin Church more clearly expresses the communion of
the new Christian with the bishop as guarantor and servant of the unity,
catholicity and apostolicity of his Church, and hence the connection with the
apostolic origins of Christ's Church. (CCC 1293)
In treating the rite of Confirmation, it is fitting to consider the sign of anointing and what it signifies and
imprints: a spiritual seal.
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich in meaning: oil is
a sign of abundance and joy (Cf. Deut 11:14; Pss 23:5; 104:15); it cleanses
(anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing of athletes and
wrestlers); oil is a sign of healing, since it is soothing to bruises and
wounds (Cf. Isa 1:6; Lk 10:34); and it makes radiant with beauty, health, and
strength. [IT CONTINUES]
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