Day 176: Traditions and Signs of Confirmation

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. CCC 1290

In today's reading, the Catechism discusses the traditions and symbols that have become attached to Confirmation in both the East and West of the Church. The Catechism Compendium summarizes part of this:

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”. (#267)

The Catechism explains the differences between East and West on the anointing of sacred chrism, more of a difference in emphasis:

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 1292

The differences in emphasis shouldn't be an issue. Yet, I still think that the Eastern practice of receiving Confirmation right after Baptism, as was practiced in the West too for about 1,200 years, is something that should be restored.

I do like these comments about Confirmation found in the Catechism Companion, Vol II:

Jesus' mission was to bring hope to a world in darkness and grace to a world that did not know grace. He brought the mercy of God to a people that needed it and the truth to those who were ignorant of it. Being sealed by the Holy Spirit shows that we are entirely Christ's... If we have been baptized and confirmed, none of us belong to ourselves anymore. We belong to God completely. (p. 116)