Confirmation
"Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit in order to root us more deeply in the divine filiation, incorporate us more firmly into Christ, strengthen our bond with the Church, associate us more closely with her mission, and help us bear witness to the Christian faith in words accompanied by deeds."
- The Catechism of the Catholic Church #1316
What is the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Confirmation is the sacrament through which the Holy Spirit comes to us in a special way and enables us to profess our faith as strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Jesus Christ.
Christ promised His Apostles the gift of the Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49; John 14:16-17, 16:7, 12). They understood that the promise was meant for all Christians. Hence after receiving the Spirit on Pentecost Day, they conferred Him on all the baptized: Acts 2:38 and 8:14-17.

What are the Gifts of the Holy Spirit?
According to Catholic Tradition, the gifts of the Holy Spirit are:
- Wisdom - the knowledge of and judgment about “divine things”. We honor God’s perspective and desire His ways.
- Understanding - insight into the very heart of things, we allow ourselves to be led to the truth even when we do not fully understand.
- Counsel - allows a man to be directed by God, our actions are a result of knowing right from wrong and avoiding sin.
- Fortitude – the determination to do good and avoid evil
- Knowledge - ability to judge correctly about matters of faith and right action, we understand what God expects of us.
- Piety -devotion and reverence for God only, paying worship and duty to God.
- Fear of the Lord – we fear God because of our love for Him and avoid those things that are displeasing to Him. Above all else, we do not want to be separated from Him.

What are the Fruits of the Holy Spirit?
The fruits of the Holy Spirit emerge over time and are the outcomes of virtuous living. The fruits of the Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. St. Paul in his letter (Galatians 5:22-23) lists the fruits of the Holy Spirit:
- Love – love of God and neighbor before ourselves; the highest form of love is Agape
- Joy – lasting happiness not based on emotions; interior contentment
- Peace – tranquility based on trust in our faithful God; harmony when justice prevails.
- Patience – mercy and understanding for others in spite of their flaws and weakness; refusal to avenge oneself; to endure when provoked
- Kindness – compassion and benevolence; a warm disposition toward another
- Goodness – avoidance of evil; moral excellence
- Generosity – honorable and charitable; giving without reluctance
- Gentleness – peaceful and meek behavior; even-temperedness; tranquil
- Faithfulness – believing and trusting in God, unwavering loyalty
- Modesty - humble and unassuming
- Self-control – ability to exercise moderation; self-mastery in any circumstance
- Chastity – giving of ourselves completely to Christ