RITE OF CONFIRMATION - ICEL

THE ORDER
OF
CONFIRMATION
ENGLISH TRANSLATION ACCORDING
TO THE TYPICAL EDITION
March 2012

The International Commission on English in the Liturgy
19 March 2012
Your Eminence,
Your Grace,
My Lord,
As you will know, nearly two years ago the Holy See gave the necessary recognitio to the
English translation to the Third Edition of the Missale Romanum and now this translation
has been fully implemented. Thank you for your comments and efforts to guide this
process over so many years. I also wish to thank my predecessor, Bishop Arthur Roche,
ICEL’s Chairman throughout the Missal project. His constant devotion to the task was
evidenced in the thirty-one separate booklets that were sent to you, either for comment or
for vote.
As the new Chairman of ICEL, I am happy to forward to you for your study and
comment the first fruit of translation work following the Missal—that is, The Order of
Celebrating Marriage and The Order of Confirmation.
These draft texts have been approved by the Bishops of the Commission which recently
met in Morristown, New Jersey, and are now being submitted to the member and
associate member Bishops’ Conferences for study. It should be understood that these
texts are not definitive and that what ICEL is seeking at this juncture is your opinion and
comment. In conformity with earlier practice and the ICEL Statutes, ICEL is issuing
these texts with a green cover (Green Book) to distinguish them from texts in a gray
cover (Gray Book) that will be sent to you for a formal and deliberative vote at the end of
the period of consultation.
The Roman Missal project, carried forward under the guidelines of the Holy See’s
instruction Liturgiam authenticam and the Ratio translationis, has provided a stable
resource of texts and rubrical material that will influence the remaining work of
translation for the other books of the Roman Rite. You will know that there are some
twenty separate rites contained in the Roman Ritual and Roman Pontifical and the
majority have some element of textual dependence on the Roman Missal.
The Order of Celebrating Marriage and The Order of Confirmation borrow substantially
from the Missal and direct quotations or similar phrases are referenced with the marking
“RM” in the left-hand margin.

You will also note that there are repeated texts or rubrics from one chapter to the next.
These are indicated in the manuscript with references to the earlier text using the Latin
numbers that run sequentially through the individual rite. See for example, Marriage,
Chapter II, no. 87 where the rubric is in place but the text is repeated from Chapter I as so
indicated “(no. 87 = no. 52)”. Also, there are endnotes throughout the manuscript that
provide scriptural references as well as specific references for repeated texts or texts from
the Roman Missal.
At the conclusion of each rite you will find a concordance demonstrating how common
terms are translated in the Missal.
You are free to send comments or suggestions as a Conference of Bishops and/or as
individual Bishops. I wish to assure you that all comments will receive careful attention.
Please forward your observations to ICEL either through the national liturgical office of
your Conference, directly to the ICEL Secretariat, or through your Bishop member on
ICEL. For ease in submitting comments, you may wish to access the following website
(www.icelweb.org/om) whereby you can send comments directly to the ICEL Secretariat.
May I ask that you and/or your Conference submit comments by 1 December 2012,
please? This will provide time for careful study in preparation of the ICEL Bishops
meeting early in the New Year.
With all good wishes.
Yours fraternally in Christ,
The Most Revd. Arthur Serratelli
Bishop of Paterson
Chairman of ICEL

T H E R O M A N P O N T I F I C A L
RENEWED BY DECREE OF
THE MOST HOLY SECOND ECUMENICAL COUNCIL OF THE VATICAN,
PROMULGATED BY AUTHORITY OF POPE PAUL VI
AND REVISED AT THE DIRECTION OF POPE JOHN PAUL II.
THE ORDER
OF
CONFIRMATION
ENGLISH TRANSLATION ACCORDING
TO THE TYPICAL EDITION

Latin text © Administration of the Patrimony of the Apostolic See (A.P.S.A.), Vatican City State, 1971.
The English translation of The Order of Confirmation © 2012, International Commission on English in the
Liturgy Corporation (ICEL); excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, ICEL. All
rights reserved.
Latin Typical Edition, 1971.

THE ORDER
OF
CONFIRMATION
ENGLISH TRANSLATION ACCORDING
TO THE TYPICAL EDITION

Prot. n. 800/71.
SACRA CONGREGATIO PRO CULTU DIVINO
DECRETUM
Peculiare Spiritus Sancti donum, a Christo Domino promissum et super Apostolos
die Pentecostes effusum, ipsi Apostoli eorumque successores Episcopi baptizatis
hominibus per Confirmationis Sacramentum tradiderunt. Cuius ope christianae vitæ
initiatio ita perficitur, ut fideles, superna corroborati virtute, Christi testes sinceri, tum
verbis tum exemplis evadant, itemque arctiore cum Ecclesia vinculo astringantur.
Quo autem clarius « huius Sacramenti intima connexio cum tota initiatione
christiana » elucesceret, Œcumenicum Concilium Vaticanum II decrevit, ut ritus
Confirmationis recognosceretur. 1
Nunc vero, huiusmodi opere absoluto atque approbato a Summo Pontifice PAULO
PP. VI per Constitutionem Apostolicam Divinæ consortium naturæ, die 15 augusti 1971
signatam, Sacra Congregatio pro Cultu Divino, novum Ordinem Confirmationis, qui pro
Ordine in Pontificali et Rituali Romano antehac usitato substituatur, evulgandum curavit,
eiusque editionem, quæ nunc exhibetur, typicam esse declarat.
Contrariis quibuslibet minime obstantibus.
Ex ædibus Sacræ Congregationis pro Cultu Divino, die 22 augusti anni 1971.
ARTURUS CARD. TABERA
Præfectus
1 Cf. Const. Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 71, A.A.S. 56 (1964), p. 118.
A. BUGNINI
a Secretis

Prot. n. 800/71
SACRED CONGREGATION FOR DIVINE WORSHIP
DECREE
Through the Sacrament of Confirmation the Apostles themselves and the Bishops,
who are their successors, have handed on to the baptized the special gift of the Holy
Spirit, promised by Christ the Lord and poured out upon the Apostles at Pentecost. With
its help initiation in the Christian life is so brought to completion that the faithful,
strengthened by heavenly power, go forth as true witnesses of Christ in word and
example, and are bound more closely to the Church.
So that "the intimate connection of this Sacrament with the whole of Christian
Initiation" might more clearly be set forth, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council
decreed that the rite of Confirmation was to be revised. 1
Now that this work has been completed and approved by the Supreme Pontiff POPE
PAUL VI in the Apostolic Constitution Divinae consortium naturae, signed on August 15,
1971, the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship has published the new Ordo
Confirmationis. It is to replace the Ordo hitherto in use in the Roman Pontifical and
Ritual. The Congregation declares the present edition to be the typical edition.
All things to the contrary notwithstanding.
From the offices of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, 22 August 1971.
ARTURO Cardinal TABERA a A. Bugnini
Prefect Secretary
1 Cf. Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 71: Acta
Apostolicae Sedis, 56 (1964), p. 118.

CONSTITUTIO APOSTOLICA
DE SACRAMENTO CONFIRMATIONIS
PAULUS EPISCOPUS
SERVUS SERVORUM DEI
AD PERPETUAM REI MEMORIAM
DIVINÆ CONSORTIUM NATURÆ, quo homines per Christi gratiam donantur,
similitudinem quandam præ se fert ortus vitæ naturalis, eius incrementi et alimonii.
Etenim Baptismo renati fideles Confirmationis Sacramento roborantur ac tandem in
Eucharistia cibo vitæ æternæ vegetantur, ita ut hisce initiationis christianæ Sacramentis
thesauros vitæ divinæ magis magisque percipiant atque ad perfectionem caritatis
progrediantur. Recte quidem hæc verba sunt scripta: caro abluitur, ut anima emaculetur;
caro unguitur, ut anima consecretur; caro signatur, ut et anima muniatur; caro manus
impositione adumbratur, ut et anima spiritu inluminetur; caro corpore et sanguine
Christi vescitur, ut et anima de Deo saginetur. 1
Concilium vero Œcumenicum Vaticanum II, pastoralis sui muneris conscium,
hisce Sacramentis initiationis peculiares curas impendit, id præscribens, ut eorum ritus
apte recognoscerentur atque fidelium captui magis accommodarentur. Cum igitur Ordo
Baptismi parvulorum, ex eiusdem universalis Synodi præcepto in novam formam
redactus et nostro iussu editus, iam sit in usum receptus, expedit nunc ritum
Confirmationis vulgari, ut unitas initiationis christianæ in suo lumine collocetur.
Re quidem vera modo recognoscendo, quo hoc. Sacramentum celebraretur, per
hosce annos opera et studium diligenter navabatur; scilicet eo mens intendebatur, ut huius
Sacramenti intima connexio cum tota initiatione christiana clarius eluceret. 2 Vinculum
autem, quo Confirmatio cum reliquis eiusmodi Sacramentis sociatur, non solum ex eo
apertius innotescit, quod ritus arctiore nexu dispositi sunt, sed apparet etiam e gestu et
verbis, quibus Confirmatio ipsa confertur. Sic enim fit, ut ritus ac verba eiusdem
Sacramenti sancta, quæ significant, clarius exprimant, eaque populus christianus, in
quantum fieri potest, facile percipere atque plena, actuosa et communitatis propria
celebratione participare possit. 3
Ad eum finem Nos in hac recognitione includi voluimus etiam ea, quæ ad ipsam
essentiam ritus confirmandi pertinent, per quem christifideles ut Donum accipiunt
Spiritum Sanctum.
1
TERTULLIANUS, De resurrectione mortuorum, VIII, 3; CCL, 2, p. 931.
2
Cfr. CONC. VAT. II, Const. Sacrosanctum Concilium, 71, A.A.S. 56 (1964), p. 118.
3
Ibid., n. 21, p. 106.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
ON THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION
PAUL, BISHOP
SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD
FOR AN EVERLASTING MEMORIAL
The sharing in the divine nature given to individuals through the grace of Christ
bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. Born
anew by Baptism, the faithful are strengthened by the Sacrament of Confirmation and
finally are sustained by the food of eternal life in the Eucharist. By means of these
Sacraments of Christian Initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures
of divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity. It has rightly been written:
"The flesh is washed, that the soul may be cleansed; the flesh is anointed, that the soul
may be consecrated; the flesh is signed, that the soul too may be fortified; the flesh is
overshadowed by the laying on of hands, that the soul too may be enlightened by the
Spirit; the flesh is fed on the Body and Blood of Christ, that the soul too may be richly
nourished by God." 1
Conscious of its pastoral charge, the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council devoted
special attention to these Sacraments of Initiation, prescribing that the rites should be
suitably revised and accommodated to the understanding of the faithful. Since, therefore,
the Ordo Baptismi parvulorum, revised at the mandate of the same universal Synod and
published at our command, is already in use, it is now fitting to publish a rite of
Confirmation, so that the unity of Christian Initiation may be shown in its true light.
In fact, careful work and study have been devoted in these last years to the task of
revising the manner of celebrating this Sacrament. The aim of this work has been that
"the intimate connection which this Sacrament has with the whole of Christian Initiation
may be more clearly set forth." 2 Moreover, the link between Confirmation and the other
Sacraments of Initiation is more easily perceived not only because the rites have been
more closely conjoined, but it is also noticeable from the gesture and words by which
Confirmation itself is conferred. For it so happens that the rite and words of this
Sacrament "should express more clearly the holy things which they signify and the
Christian people, so far as possible, should be enabled to understand them with ease and
take part in them fully, actively, and as befits a community." 3
To that end, it has been Our wish also to include in this revision what concerns
the very essence of the rite of Confirmation, through which the Christian faithful receive
the Holy Spirit as Gift.
1
Tertullian, De resurrectione mortuorum, VIII, 3: Corpus Christianorum Series latina, 2, p. 931.
2
Cf. Second Vatican Council, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, no. 71: Acta
Apostolicae Sedis, 56 (1964), p. 118.
3
Ibid., no. 21: p. 106.

5 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
In Novo Testamento declaratur, quomodo Spiritus Sanctus Christo ad munus
messianicum implendum adfuerit. Iesus enim, baptismate Ioannis suscepto, vidit Spiritum
descendentem in ipsum (cfr. Mc 1, 10), qui mansit super eum (cfr. Io 1, 32). Ab illo vero
Spiritu est impulsus, ut, eiusdem præsentia et auxilio innixus, Messiæ ministerium palam
aggrederetur. Cum Nazarethanum populum salubriter erudiret, Isaiæ oraculum Spiritus
Domini super me ad se referri dicendo adumbravit (cfr. Lc 4, 17-21).
Promisit deinde discipulis suis Spiritum Sanctum ipsos quoque adiuturum esse, ut
etiam coram persecutoribus fidem audenter testarentur (cfr. Lc 12, 12). Pridie autem
quam pateretur, asseveravit Apostolis se missurum esse a Patre Spiritum veritatis (cfr. Io
15, 26) qui cum iis in æternum maneret (Io 14, 16) iisque auxilio esset ad perhibendum
testimonium de ipso (cfr. Io 15, 26). Demum postquam resurrexit, Christus pollicitus est
proximum Spiritus Sancti descensum: Accipietis virtutem supervenientis Spiritus Sancti
in vos et eritis mihi testes (Act 1, 8; cfr. Lc 24, 49).
Re quidem vera die festo Pentecostes Spiritus Sanctus mirabili prorsus modo
descendit in Apostolos, cum Maria Matre Iesu cœtuque discipulorum congregatos; qui ita
tum eo repleti sunt (Act 2, 4), ut divino impetu afflati magnalia Dei annuntiarent. Petrus
autem Spiritum, qui sic super Apostolos descendit, donum ætatis messianicæ habuit (cfr.
Act 2, 17-18). Tunc baptizati sunt ii, qui prædicationi apostolicæ crediderunt, qui et ipsi
acceperunt donum Spiritus Sancti (Act 2, 38). Ex quo tempore Apostoli, Christi
voluntatem implentes, Spiritus donum, quod Baptismi gratiam compleret, neophytis
manuum impositione impertierunt (cfr. Act 8, 15-17; 19, 5 sq.). Sic factum est, ut in
Epistula ad Hebræos, inter primæ institutionis christianæ elementa, recenseretur doctrina
baptismatum et impositionis quoque manuum (cfr. Hebr 6, 2). Quæ manuum impositio ex
traditione catholica merito agnoscitur initium Sacramenti Confirmationis, quod gratiam
pentecostalem in Ecclesia quodam modo perpetuat.
Hinc patefit proprium Confirmationis momentum ad sacramentalem initiationem,
qua fideles ut membra viventis Christi, Ipsi per Baptismum necnon per Confirmationem
et Eucharistiam incorporantur et configurantur. 4 In Baptismo neophyti accipiunt
remissionem peccatorum, adoptionem filiorum Dei necnon characterem Christi, quo
Ecclesiæ aggregantur ac primum participes fiunt sacerdotii Salvatoris sui (cfr. 1 Petr 2, 5
et 9). Per Confirmationis Sacramentum Baptismo renati Donum ineffabile, ipsum
Spiritum Sanctum, accipiunt, quo speciali ... robore ditantur, 5 atque, eiusdem Sacramenti
charactere signati, perfectius Ecclesiæ vinculantur 6 et ad fidem tamquam veri testes
Christi verbo et opere simul diffundendam et defendendam arctius obligantur. 7 Demum
4
Cfr. CONC. VAT. II, Decr. Ad Gentes divinitus, n. 36, A.A.S. 58 (1966), p. 983.
5
CONC. VAT. II, Const. dogm. Lumen Gentium, n. 11, A.A.S. 57 (1965), p. 15.
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid., cfr. Decr. Ad Gentes divinitus, n. 11, A.A.S. 58 (1966), pp. 959-960.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
The New Testament shows how the Holy Spirit was with Christ to bring the
Messianic mission to fulfillment. For Jesus, on receiving the baptism of John, saw the
Spirit descending on himself (cf. Mk. 1: 10) and remaining with him (cf. Jn. 1: 32). He
was led by that Spirit to undertake his public ministry as the Messiah, relying on the
Spirit's presence and assistance. Preaching salvation to the people of Nazareth, he showed
by what he said that the oracle of Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me," referred to
himself (cf. Lk. 4: 17-21).
He later promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit would help them also to bear
fearless witness to their faith even before persecutors (cf. Lk. 12: 12). On the day before
he was to suffer, he assured his Apostles that he would send the Spirit of truth from the
Father (cf. Jn. 15: 26) to remain with them "for ever" (Jn. 14: 16) and help them to be his
witnesses (cf. Jn. 15: 26). Finally, after his Resurrection, Christ promised the coming
descent of the Holy Spirit: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon
you; and you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1: 8; cf. Lk. 24: 49).
On the feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit did indeed descend in a marvelous way
on the Apostles as they were gathered together with Mary the Mother of Jesus and the
group of disciples. They were so "filled with" the Holy Spirit (Acts 2: 4) that by divine
inspiration they began to proclaim "the mighty works of God." Moreover, Peter regarded
the Spirit, who thus descended upon the Apostles, as the gift of the Messianic age (cf.
Acts 2: 17-18). Then those who believed the Apostles' preaching were baptized and they
too received "the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2: 38). From that time on the Apostles, in
fulfillment of Christ's wish, imparted to the newly baptized, by the laying on of hands,
the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. This is why the Letter to the
Hebrews listed among the first elements of Christian instruction the teaching about
baptisms and the laying on of hands (cf. Heb. 6: 2). This laying on of hands is rightly
recognized by Catholic tradition as the beginning of the Sacrament of Confirmation,
which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.
This makes clear the specific importance of Confirmation for sacramental
initiation, by which the faithful "as members of the living Christ are incorporated into
him and made like unto him through Baptism and through Confirmation and the
Eucharist." 4 In Baptism, the newly baptized receive forgiveness of sins, adoption as
children of God, and the character of Christ, by which they are made members of the
Church and for the first time become sharers in the priesthood of their Savior (cf. 1 Pt. 2:
5, 9). Through the Sacrament of Confirmation those who have been born anew in
Baptism receive the ineffable Gift, the Holy Spirit himself, by whom "they are endowed
... with special strength." 5 Moreover, having been signed with the character of this
Sacrament, they are "more perfectly bound to the Church" 6 and "they are more strictly
obliged to spread and defend the faith, both by word and by deed, as true witnesses of
Christ." 7 Finally, Confirmation is so closely linked with the Holy Eucharist 8 that the
4
Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad Gentes, no. 36: Acta
Apostolicae Sedis, 58 (1966), p. 983.
5
Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, Lumen Gentium, no. 11: Acta Apostolicae
Sedis, 57 (1965), p. 15.
6
Ibid.
7
Ibid.; cf. also Decree on the Missionary Activity of the Church, Ad Gentes, no. 11: Acta Apostolicae
Sedis, 58 (1966), pp. 959-960.
5

6 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Confirmatio cum Sacra Eucharistia ita cohæret, 8 ut fideles, iam Sacro Baptismate et
Confirmatione signati, plene per participationem Eucharistiæ Corpori Christi inserantur. 9
Spiritus Sancti doni collatio iam ab antiquis temporibus in Ecclesia variis ritibus
est peracta. Qui quidem in Oriente et in Occidente multiplices mutationes habuerunt, ita
tamen ut collationis Spiritus Sancti significatio servaretur.
In pluribus ritibus Orientis iam antiquitus præponderasse videtur, ad conferendum
Spiritum Sanctum, ritus chrismationis, a Baptismo nondum dilucide distinctus. 10 Qui
ritus hodieque apud plurimas ex Orientalibus Ecclesiis viget.
In Occidente testimonia antiquissima circa christianæ initiationis partem, in qua
postea distincte Confirmationis Sacramentum perspectum est, inveniuntur. Etenim post
ablutionem baptismalem et ante refectionem eucharisticam, plura peragenda indicantur,
ut unctio, manus impositio et consignatio, 11 quæ continentur tam in documentis
liturgicis 12 quam in multis testimoniis Patrum. Exinde sæculorum decursu quæstiones
dubitationesque ortæ sunt de iis, quæ ad essentiam ritus confirmandi certe pertinerent.
Interest vero quædam saltem commemorare eorum, quæ inde a sæculo tertio decimo in
Conciliis Œcumenicis necnon in Documentis Summorum Pontificum non paulum
contulerunt ad momentum chrismationis illustrandum, ita tamen, ut impositio manuum
non oblivioni daretur.
Innocentius III, Decessor Noster, hæc scripsit: Per frontis chrismationem manus
impositio designatur, quæ alio nomine dicitur confirmatio, quia per eam Spiritus Sanctus
ad augmentum datur et robur. 13 Innocentius IV autem, item Decessor Noster, memorat
Apostolos tribuisse Spiritum Sanctum per manus impositionem, quam confirmatio vel
8
Cfr. CONC. VAT. II, Decr. Presbyterorum Ordinis, n. 5, A.A.S. 58 (1966), p. 997.
9
Cfr.. Ibid., pp. 997-998.
10
Cfr. ORIGENES, De Principiis, I, 3, 2; GCS 22, p. 49 sq.; Comm. in Ep. ad Rom., V, 8; PG 14, 1038;
CYRILLUS HIEROSOLYMITANUS, Catech. XVI, 26; XXI, 1-7: PG 33, 956; 1088-1093.
11
Cf. TERTULLIANUS, De Baptismo, VII-VIII: CCL 1, p. 282 sq.; B. BOTTE, La tradition apostolique de
Saint Hippolyte: Liturgiewissenschaftliche Quellen und Forschungen, 39, Münster in W., 1963, pp. 52-54;
AMBROSIUS, De Sacramentis, II, 24; III, 2, 8; VI, 2, 9: CSEL 73, pp. 36, 42, 74-75; De Mysteriis, VII, 42:
ibid., p. 106.
12
Liber Sacramentorum Romanæ Æcclesiæ Ordinis Anni circuli, ed. L. C. MOHLBERG (Rerum
Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, Fontes, IV), Roma 1960, p. 75; Das Sacramentarium Gregorianum nach
dem Aachener Urexemplar, ed. H. LIETZMANN (Liturgiegeschichtliche Quellen, 3), Münster in W., 1921, p.
53 sq.; Liber Ordinum, ed. M. FÉROTIN (Monumenta Ecclesiæ Liturgica, V), Paris, 1904, p. 33 sq.; Missale
Gallicanum Vetus, ed. L. C. MOHLBERG (Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, Fontes, III), Roma, 1958, p.
42; Missale Gothicum, ed. L. C. MOHLBERG (Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, V), Roma, 1961, p. 67;
C. VOGEL-R. ELZE, Le Pontifical Romano-Germanique du dixième siècle, Le Texte, II (Studi e Testi, 227),
Cittià del Vaticano, 1963, p. 109; M. ANDRIEU, Le Pontifical Romain au Moyen-Age, t. 1, Le Pontifical
Romain du XII e siècle (Studi e Testi, 86), Cittià del Vaticano, 1938, pp. 247 sq. et 289; t. 2, Le Pontifical de
la Curie Romaine au XIII e siècle (Studi e Testi, 87), Cittià del Vaticano, 1940, pp. 452 sq.
13
Ep. « Cum venisset »:PL 215, 285. Professio fidei ab eodem Pontifice Waldensibus imposita hæc habet:
Confirmationem ab episcopo factam, id est impositionem manuum, sanctam et venerande accipiendam esse
censemus: PL 215, 1511.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
faithful, after being signed by Holy Baptism and Confirmation, are incorporated fully into
the Body of Christ through participation in the Eucharist. 9
From ancient times the conferring of the gift of the Holy Spirit has been carried
out in the Church through various rites. These rites have undergone many changes in the
East and the West, but the signification of the conferral of the Holy Spirit has been kept.
In many Eastern rites it seems that from early times a rite of chrismation, not yet
clearly distinguished from Baptism, 10 prevailed for the conferring of the Holy Spirit. That
rite continues in use today in the greater part of the Churches of the East.
In the West there are very ancient witnesses concerning the part of Christian
Initiation that was later distinctly recognized to be the Sacrament of Confirmation. There
are directives for the performance of many rites after the baptismal washing and before
the Eucharistic meal–for example, anointing, the laying on of the hand, consignation 11 –
contained both in liturgical documents 12 and in many testimonies of the Fathers.
Consequently, in the course of the centuries, questions and doubts arose as to what
belonged with certainty to the essence of the rite of Confirmation. Worth mentioning,
however, are at least some of the elements that, from the thirteenth century onward, in the
Ecumenical Councils and in documents of the Supreme Pontiffs, cast considerable light
on the importance of anointing with Chrism but at the same time did not allow the laying
on of hands to be forgotten.
Our Predecessor Innocent III wrote: "The anointing of the forehead with Chrism
signifies the laying on of the hand, the other name for which is Confirmation, since
through it the Holy Spirit is given for growth and strength." 13 Another of Our
Predecessors, Innocent IV, calls to mind that the Apostles conferred the Holy Spirit
"through the laying on of the hand, which Confirmation or the anointing of the forehead
8
Cf. Second Vatican Council, Decree on the Ministry and Life of Priests, Presbyterorum Ordinis, no. 5:
Acta Apostolicae Sedis, 58 (1966), p. 997.
9
Cf. ibid., pp. 997-998.
10
Cf. Origen, De Principiis, I, 3, 2: GCS, 22, pp. 49 ff.; Comm. in Ep. ad Rom. V, 8; PG, 14, 1038; Cyril of
Jerusalem, Catech, XVI, 26; XXI, 1-7: PG, 33, pp. 956, 1088-1093.
11
Cf. Tertullian, De Baptismo, VII-VIII: Corpus Christianorum Series latina, 1, pp. 282 ff.; ed. B. Botte,
La tradition apostolique de Saint Hippolyte: Liturgiewissenschaftliche Quellen und Forschungen, 39,
Münster in W., 1963, pp. 52-54; Ambrose, De Sacramentis, II, 24; III, 2, 8; VI, 2, 9: CSEL., 73, pp. 36, 42,
74-75; De Mysteriis, VII, 42: ibid. p. 106.
12
Liber Sacramentorum Romanæ Æcclesiæ Ordinis Anni circuli, ed. L.C. Mohlberg (Rerum
Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, Fontes, IV), Rome, 1960, p. 75; Das Sacramentarium Gregorianum nach
dem Aachener Urexamplar, ed. H. Lietzman (Liturgiegeschichtliche Quellen, 3), Münster in W., 1921, pp.
53 ff.; Liber Ordinum. ed. M. Férotin (Monumenta Ecclesiæ Liturgica, V), Paris, 1904, pp. 33 ff.; Missale
Gallicanum Vetus, ed. L.C. Mohlberg (Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, Fontes, III), Rome, 1958, p.
42; Missale Gothicum, ed. L.C. Mohlberg (Rerum Ecclesiasticarum Documenta, V), Rome, 1961, p. 67; C.
Vogel-R. Elze, Le Pontifical Romano-Germanique du dixième siècle, Le Texte, II (Studi et Testi, 227),
Vatican City, 1963, p. 109; M. Audrieu, Le Pontifical Romain au Moyen-Age, t. 1, Le Pontifical Romain du
XII e siècle (Studi e Testi, 86), Vatican City, 1938, pp. 247 ff. and 289; t. 2, Le Pontifical de la Curie
Romaine au XIII e siècle (Studi e Testi, 87), Vatican City, 1940, pp. 452 ff.
13
Innocent III, Ep. "Cum venisset": PL 215, 285. The profession of faith that the same Pope imposed on the
Waldenses has these words: "We regard confirmation by the Bishop, that is, the laying on of hands, to be
holy and to be received with reverence": PL 215, 1511.
6

7 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
frontis chrismatio repræsentat. 14 In Professione fidei imperatoris Michaelis Palæologi,
quæ in Concilio Lugdunensi II lecta est, mentio fit de Sacramento Confirmationis, quod
per manuum impositionem episcopi conferunt, chrismando renatos. 15 Decretum pro
Armenis, a Concilio Florentino editum, affirmat materiam Sacramenti Confirmationis
esse chrisma confectum ex oleo ... et balsamo, 16 atque, allatis verbis Actuum
Apostolorum de Petro et Ioanne, qui manuum impositione dederunt Spiritum Sanctum
(cfr. Act 8, 17), addit: Loco autem illius manus impositionis in Ecclesia datur
confirmatio. 17 Concilium Tridentinum, etsi ritum essentialem Confirmationis minime
definire intendit, eum tamen solo nomine sacri Confirmationis chrismatis designat. 18
Benedictus XIV hæc edixit: Quod itaque extra controversiam est, hoc dicatur: nimirum
in Ecclesia latina Confirmationis Sacramentum conferri, adhibito Sacro Chrismate seu
Oleo Olivarum, Balsamo commixto, et ab Episcopo benedicto, ductoque signo Crucis per
Sacramenti Ministrum in fronte suscipientis, dum idem Minister formæ verba
pronuntiat. 19
Multi sacræ theologiæ doctores, harum declarationum traditionumque rationem
habentes, defenderunt ad Confirmationem valide conferendam solam unctionem
chrismatis, in fronte manus impositione factam, requiri; nihilominus in Ecclesiæ Latinæ
ritibus impositio manuum ante chrismationem super confirmandos semper
præscribebatur.
Ad verba autem ritus Spiritum Sanctum communicandi quod attinet, est
animadvertendum iam in Ecclesia nascente Petrum et Ioannem, ad initiationem
baptizatorum in Samaria complendam, oravisse pro ipsis, ut acciperent Spiritum Sanctum
ac tum imposuisse manus super illos (cfr. Act 8, 15-17). In Oriente sæculo quarto et
quinto prima in ritu chrismationis indicia apparent verborum signaculum doni Spiritus
Sancti. 20 Quæ verba cito ab ecclesia Constantinopolitana sunt recepta, atque etiamnum
ab ecclesiis ritus Byzantini adhibentur.
In Occidente autem verba ritus, Baptismum complentis, usque ad sæculum
duodecimum et tertium decimum minus definita sunt. Verum in Pontificali Romano
sæculi duodecimi primum occurrit formula, quæ postea effecta est communis: Signo te
signo crucis et confirmo te chrismate salutis. In nomine Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. 21
14
Ep. « Sub Catholicæ professione »: MANSI, Conc. Coll., t. 23, 579.
15
MANSI, Conc. Coll., t. 24, 71.
16
Epistolæ Pontificiæ ad Concilium Florentinum spectantes, ed. G. HOFMANN, Concilium Florentinum,
vol. I, ser. A., pars II, Roma 1944, p. 128.
17
Ibid., p. 129.
18
Concilii Tridentini Actorum pars altera, ed. S. EHSES, Concilium Tridentinum, V, Act. II, Friburgi Br.,
1911, p. 996.
19
Ep. « Ex quo primum tempore », 52: Benedicti XIV ... Bullarium, t. III, Prati, 1847, p. 320.
20
Cfr. CYRILLUS HIEROSOLYMITANUS, Catech. XVIII, 33: PG 33, 1056; ASTERIUS, Episcopus Amasenus,
In parabolam de filio prodigo, in « Photii Bibliotheca », Cod. 271: PG 104, 213. Cfr. etiam Epistola
cuiusdam Patriarchæ Constantinopolitani ad Martyrium Episcopum Antiochenum: PG 119, 900.
21 e
M. ANDRIEU, Le Pontifical Romain au Moyen-Age, t. 1, Le Pontifical Romain du XII siècle: (Studi e
Testi, 86), Città del Vaticano, 1938, p. 247.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
with Chrism represents." 14 In the profession of faith of Emperor Michael Palaeologus
read at the Second Council of Lyons, mention is made of the Sacrament of Confirmation,
which "Bishops confer by the laying on of hands, anointing with Chrism those who have
been baptized." 15 The Decree for the Armenians, issued by the Council of Florence,
declares that the "matter" of the Sacrament of Confirmation is "Chrism made of olive oil
... and balsam" 16 and, quoting the words of the Acts of the Apostles concerning Peter and
John, who gave the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands (cf. Acts 8: 17), it adds:
"in the Church in place of that laying on of the hand, Confirmation is given." 17 The
Council of Trent, though it had no intention of defining the essential rite of Confirmation,
designated it simply by the term "the sacred Chrism of Confirmation." 18 Benedict XIV
made this declaration: "Therefore let this be said, which is beyond dispute: in the Latin
Church the Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred by using sacred Chrism or olive oil
mixed with balsam and blessed by the Bishop, and by the minister of the Sacrament
tracing the sign of the Cross on the forehead of the recipient, while the same minister
pronounces the words of the form." 19
Taking account of these declarations and traditions, many doctors of sacred
theology maintained that for valid administration of Confirmation only the anointing with
Chrism, done by placing the hand on the forehead, was required. Nevertheless, in the rites
of the Latin Church a laying of hands on those to be confirmed prior to anointing them
with Chrism was always prescribed.
Moreover, with regard to the words of the rite by which the Holy Spirit is
imparted, it should be noted that, already in the nascent Church, Peter and John, in order
to complete the initiation of those baptized in Samaria, prayed that they might receive the
Holy Spirit and then laid hands on them (cf. Acts 8: 15-17). In the East the first traces of
the expression “seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit” appeared in the fourth and fifth
centuries. 20 The expression was quickly accepted by the Church of Constantinople and
still is a use in Byzantine Rite Churches.
In the West, however, the words of the rite that completes Baptism were less
settled until the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. But in the twelfth-century Roman
Pontifical the formula that later became the common one first occurs: "I sign you with the
sign of the Cross and confirm you with the Chrism of salvation. In the name of the Father
and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." 21
14 Innocent IV, Ep. "Sub Catholicæ professione": Mansi, Conc. Coll., t. 23, 579.
15 Mansi, Conc. Coll., t. 24, 71.
16 Epistolæ Pontificiæ ad Concilium Florentinum spectantes, ed. G. Hofmann: Concilium Florentinum, vol.
I, ser. A., part II, Rome, 1944, p. 128.
17 Ibid., p. 129.
18 Concilii Tridentini Actorum pars altera, ed. S. Ehses: Concilium Tridentinum, V, Act. II, Fribourg Br.,
1911, p. 996.
19 Ep. "Ex quo primum tempore," 52: Benedicti XIV. ... Bullarium, t. III, Prato, 1847, p. 320.
20 Cf. Cyril of Jerusalem, Catech. XVIII, 33: PG 33: 1056. Asterius, Bishop of Amasea, In parabolam de
filio prodigo, in the "Library of Photius," Cod. 271: PG 104, 213. Cf. also Epistola cuiusdam Patriarchæ
Constantinopolitani ad Martyrium, Episcopum Antiochenum: PG, 119, 900.
21 M. Andrieu, Le Pontifical Roman au Moyen-Age, t. 1, Le Pontifical Roman du XII e siècle (Studi e Testi,
86), Vatican City, 1938, p. 247.
7

8 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Ex iis, quæ in memoriam revocavimus, liquet in actione confirmandi in Oriente et
Occidente, alia sane ratione, primum locum obtinuisse chrismationem, quæ apostolicam
manuum impositionem quodam modo repræsentat. Cum autem ea chrismatis unctio
spiritualem Sancti Spiritus, qui fidelibus datur, unctionem, apte significet, Nos
confirmatam volumus eiusdem exsistentiam et momentum.
Quod ad verba attinet, quæ in chrismatione proferuntur, dignitatem venerabilis
formulæ, quæ in Ecclesia Latina adhibetur, æqua æstimatione perpendimus quidem; ei
tamen præferendam censemus antiquissimam formulam ritus Byzantini propriam, qua
Donum ipsius Spiritus Sancti exprimitur atque effusio Spiritus die Pentecostes peracta
recolitur (cfr. Act 2, 1-4 et 38). Hanc ergo formulam, fere verbum pro verbo reddentes,
accipimus.
Quapropter, ut ritus Confirmationis recognitio ad ipsam etiam ritus sacramentalis
essentiam congruenter pertineat, Suprema Nostra Auctoritate Apostolica decernimus et
constituimus, ut ea, quæ sequuntur, in Ecclesia Latina in posterum serventur:
SACRAMENTUM CONFIRMATIONIS CONFERTUR PER UNCTIONEM CHRISMATIS IN
FRONTE, QUÆ FIT MANUS IMPOSITIONE, ATQUE PER VERBA: « ACCIPE SIGNACULUM DONI
SPIRITUS SANCTI ».
Impositio vero manuum super electos, quæ cum præscripta oratione ante
chrismationem fit, etsi ad essentiam ritus sacramentalis non pertinet, est tamen magni
æstimanda, utpote quæ ad eiusdem ritus integram perfectionem et ad pleniorem
Sacramenti intellegentiam conferat. Patet eam manuum impositionem, quæ præcedit,
differre a manus impositione, qua unctio chrismatis fit in fronte.
His omnibus de essentiali Sacramenti Confirmationis ritu statutis ac declaratis,
Ordinem etiam eiusdem Sacramenti a Sacra Congregatione pro Cultu Divino — collatis
consiliis cum Sacris Congregationibus pro Doctrina Fidei, de Disciplina Sacramentorum
atque pro Gentium Evangelizatione quoad materiam earum competentiæ subiectam, —
recognitum, Nos Apostolica Nostra Auctoritate approbamus. Cuius Ordinis, novam
formam continentis, editio Latina, statim ut prodierit, editiones vero vulgares, a
Conferentiis Episcopalibus apparatæ et ab Apostolica Sede confirmatæ, die, quæ a
singulis eiusmodi Conferentiis statuetur, vigere incipient; vetus autem Ordo usque ad
finem anni 1972 poterit adhiberi. A die tamen 1 mensis Ianuarii anni 1973 novo tantum
Ordine omnibus, ad quos pertinet, erit utendum.
Nostra hæc statuta et prescripta in Ecclesia Latina firma et efficacia esse et fore
volumus, non obstantibus, quatenus opus sit, Constitutionibus et Ordinationibus
Apostolicis a Decessoribus Nostris editis, ceterisque præscriptionibus etiam peculiari
mentione dignis.

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
From what We have recalled, it is clear that in the administration of Confirmation
in the East and the West, though in different ways, the most important place was
occupied by the anointing with Chrism, which in a certain way represents the apostolic
laying on of hands. Since this anointing with Chrism aptly signifies the spiritual anointing
of the Holy Spirit, who is given to the faithful, We wish to confirm its existence and
importance.
As regards the words pronounced in anointing with Chrism, We have examined
with the consideration it deserves the dignity of the venerable formula used in the Latin
Church, but We judge preferable the very ancient formulary belonging to the Byzantine
Rite, by which the Gift of the Holy Spirit himself is expressed and the outpouring of the
Spirit on the day of Pentecost (cf. Acts 2: 1-4, 38) is called to mind. We therefore adopt
this formula, rendering it almost word for word.
Therefore, in order that the revision of the rite of Confirmation may, as is fitting,
include even the essence of the sacramental rite, by Our Supreme Apostolic Authority
We decree and lay down that in the Latin Church the following are to be observed for the
future:
THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION IS CONFERRED THROUGH THE ANOINTING WITH
CHRISM ON THE FOREHEAD, WHICH IS DONE BY THE LAYING ON OF THE HAND, AND
THROUGH THE WORDS: ACCIPE SIGNACULUM DONI SPIRITUS SANCTI (“BE SEALED WITH THE
GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.”)
But the laying of hands upon the elect, carried out with the prescribed prayer
before the anointing with Chrism, even if it is not of the essence of the sacramental rite, is
still to be regarded as very important, inasmuch as it contributes to the complete
perfection of the rite and to a more thorough understanding of the Sacrament. It is evident
that this prior laying on of hands differs from the later laying on of the hand in the
anointing with Chrism on the forehead.
Having established and declared all these elements concerning the essential rite of
the Sacrament of Confirmation, We also approve by Our Apostolic Authority the Ordo
for the same Sacrament, revised by the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship, after
consultation with the Sacred Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith, for the
Discipline of the Sacraments, and for the Evangelization of Peoples on the matters that
are within their competence. The Latin edition of the Ordo containing the new
sacramental form will come into force, as soon as it is published; the editions in the
vernacular languages, prepared by the Conferences of Bishops and confirmed by the
Apostolic See, will come into force on the date to be decreed by each Conference. The
old Ordo may be used until the end of the year 1972. From 1 January 1973, however,
only the new Ordo is to be used by those concerned.
We intend that everything that We have laid down and prescribed should be firm
and effective in the Latin Church, notwithstanding, where relevant, the Apostolic
Constitutions and Ordinances issued by Our Predecessors, and other prescriptions, even
those worthy of special mention.
8

9 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Datum Romæ, apud Sanctum Petrum, die xv mensis augusti, in Assumptione
Beatæ Mariæ Virginis, anno MCMLXXI, Pontificatus Nostri nono.
PAULUS PP. VI

APOSTOLIC CONSTITUTION
Given at Rome, at Saint Peter's, on the fifteenth day of the month of August, the
day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the year 1971, the ninth of Our
Pontificate.
PAUL VI, POPE
9

ORDO CONFIRMATIONIS
PRÆNOTANDA
1. DE CONFIRMATIONIS DIGNITATE
1. Baptizati iter christianæ initiationis prosequuntur per sacramentum
Confirmationis, quo effusum accipiunt Spiritum Sanctum, qui super Apostolos die
Pentecostes a Domino missus est.
2. Hac donatione Spiritus Sancti fideles perfectius Christo conformantur et virtute
roborantur, ut testimonium Christi perhibeant ad ædificationem Corporis eius in fide et
caritate. Ipsis autem character seu signaculum dominicum ita imprimitur, ut sacramentum
Confirmationis iterari nequeat.
II. DE OFFICIIS ET MINISTERIIS IN CELEBRATIONE CONFIRMATIONIS
3. Ad populum Dei summopere pertinet præparatio baptizatorum ad Confirmationis
sacramentum suscipiendum. Pastorum vero est curare, ut omnes baptizati ad plenam
initiationem christianam perveniant, et proinde omni cura ad Confirmationem
præparentur.
Catechumeni adulti, qui statim post Baptismum Confirmationem sunt recepturi,
auxilio fruuntur communitatis christianæ et præsertim institutione, quæ catechumenatus
tempore ipsis tribuitur, ad quam operam conferunt catechistæ, patrini et Ecclesiæ localis
membra, catechesi necnon celebrationibus ritualibus communibus. Eiusmodi
catechumenatus ordinatio opportune aptabitur iis qui, infantes baptizati, ætate
solummodo adulta ad Confirmationem accedunt.
Christianorum vero parentum est plerumque de puerorum initiatione ad vitam
sacramentalem sollicitos se præbere, tum spiritum fidei in ipsis formando et gradatim
augendo, tum eos, ope aliquando eorum institutorum, quæ catecheticam formationem
curant, præparando ad fructuosam sacramentorum Confirmationis et Eucharistiæ
susceptionem. Quod parentum officium significatur quoque per ipsorum actuosam
participationem sacramentorum celebrationis.
4. Curandum erit, ut actioni sacræ natura festiva et sollemnis tribuatur, quam eius
significatio pro Ecclesia locali secumfert; quod obtinetur præsertim si candidati omnes
congregantur ad communem celebrationem. Universus autem populus Dei,
confirmandorum familiis et amicis atque communitatis localis membris repræsentatus, ad
hanc celebrationem participandam invitabitur; atque suam conabitur fidem manifestare
fructibus, quos Spiritus Sanctus in ipso produxerit.
5. Singulis confirmandis patrinus de more adsit, qui illos ad suscipiendum
sacramentum adducet, eosdemque ministro Confirmationis ad sacram unctionem

THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
INTRODUCTION
I. THE DIGNITY OF CONFIRMATION
1. Those who have been baptized continue on the path of Christian Initiation through
the Sacrament of Confirmation, by which they receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit
whom the Lord sent upon the Apostles at Pentecost.
2. By this gift of the Holy Spirit the faithful are more fully conformed to Christ and
are strengthened with the power to bear witness to Christ for the building up of his Body
in faith and charity. They are marked with the character or seal of the Lord in such a way
that the Sacrament of Confirmation cannot be repeated.
II. DUTIES AND MINISTRIES IN THE CELEBRATION OF CONFIRMATION
3. One of the highest responsibilities of the People of God is to prepare the baptized
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Pastors have the special responsibility to see
that all the baptized reach the completion of Christian Initiation and therefore that they
are prepared with the utmost care for Confirmation.
Adult catechumens who are to receive Confirmation immediately after Baptism
profit from the help of the Christian community and, in particular, the instruction given
them during the period of the catechumenate, to which catechists, sponsors and members
of the local Church contribute by means of catechesis and communal celebrations of the
rites. It will be appropriate to adapt the plan for the catechumenate for those who were
baptized in infancy and only in adulthood approach Confirmation.
To a large extent it is the responsibility of Christian parents to show concern for
the initiation of their children to the sacramental life both by forming and gradually
increasing a spirit of faith in the children and, sometimes with the help of their instructors
who are responsible for catechetical formation, by preparing them for the fruitful
reception of the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. The role of the parents is
also expressed by their active participation in the celebration of the Sacraments.
4. Attention should be paid to giving the liturgical action the festive and solemn
character that its significance for the local Church requires. This will be achieved
especially if all the candidates are gathered together for a communal celebration. The
whole People of God, represented by the families and friends of the candidates for
Confirmation and by members of the local community, will be invited to take part in such
a celebration and will endeavor to express their faith by means of the fruits the Holy
Spirit has produced in them.
5. As a rule, each of those to be confirmed should be assisted by a sponsor, who will
bring them to receive the Sacrament, will present them to the minister of Confirmation

11 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
præsentabit, necnon postea iuvabit ad promissiones, quas in baptismate protulerunt
fideliter exsequendas, secundum Spiritum Sanctum quem acceperunt.
Attentis hodiernis pastoralibus adiunctis, expedit patrinum Baptismi, si adsit, esse
etiam patrinum Confirmationis. Ita enim clarius significatur nexus inter Baptismum et
Confirmationem, dum munus et officium patrini efficacius redditur.
Minime tamen excluditur facultas patrinum Confirmationis proprium eligendi.
Fieri etiam potest, ut parentes ipsi pueros suos præsentent. Ordinarii autem loci erit,
attentis rerum et locorum adiunctis, statuere quænam ratio agendi in sua diœcesi sit
servanda.
6. Animarum pastores curabunt, ut patrinus, a confirmando vel eius familia electus,
officio quod sibi assumit sit spiritualiter idoneus, atque his dotibus præditus:
a) ad hoc munus implendum sit satis maturus;
b) ad Ecclesiam catholicam pertineat, et tribus sacramentis Baptismi,
Confirmationis et Eucharistiæ sit initiatus;
c) ab officio patrini implendo iure non prohibeatur.
7. Confirmationis minister ordinarius est Episcopus. Sacramentum ex more ab ipso
administratur, quo apertius referatur ad primam effusionem Spiritus Sancti in die
Pentecostes. Nam postquam repleti sunt Spiritu Sancto, Apostoli ipsi per manuum
impositionem fidelibus Eum transmiserunt. Ita acceptio Spiritus Sancti per ministerium
Episcopi arctius vinculum demonstrat, quod confirmatos coniungit Ecclesiæ, necnon
mandatum acceptum de Christo testimonium inter homines perhibendi.
Præter Episcopum facultate confirmandi ipso iure gaudent:
a) Prælatus territorialis et abbas territorialis, vicarius apostolicus et præfectus
apostolicus, administrator apostolicus et administrator diocesanus, intra limites sui
territorii et durante munere;
b ) quoad personam de qua agitur, presbyter qui, vi officii vel mandati Episcopi
dioecesani, infantia egressum baptizat aut iam baptizatum in plenam Ecclesiæ
catholicae communionem admittit;
c) quoad eos qui in periculo mortis versantur, parochus, immo quilibet presbyter.
8. Episcopus dioecesanus Confirmationem administret per se ipse aut curet ut per
alium Episcopum administretur; quod si necessitas id requirat, facultatem concedere
potest uni vel pluribus determinatis presbyteris, qui hoc sacramentum administrent.
Gravi de causa, uti aliquando propter multitudinem confirmandorum accidit,
Episcopus itemque presbyter, vi iuris aut peculiaris concessionis competentis auctoritatis
facultate confirmandi donatus, possunt in singulis casibus, presbyteros, ut et ipsi
sacramentum administrent, sibi sociare.
Suadetur autem ut presbyteri invitentur qui:

INTRODUCTION
for the sacred anointing, and afterwards will help them to fulfill their baptismal promises
faithfully in accordance with the Holy Spirit whom they have received.
With due regard for contemporary pastoral circumstances, it is desirable that the
godparent at Baptism, if available, also be the sponsor at Confirmation. In this way the
link between Baptism and Confirmation is more clearly expressed and the function and
responsibility of the sponsor are exercised more effectively.
Nonetheless, the option of choosing a special sponsor for Confirmation is in no
way excluded. It is for the local Ordinary to determine diocesan practice with due regard
for local conditions and circumstances.
6. Pastors of souls will see that the sponsor, chosen by the one to be confirmed or by
his or her family, is spiritually fit to take on this responsibility and is endowed with these
qualities:
a) he or she should be of sufficient maturity to fulfill this function;
b) he or she should be a member of the Catholic Church and should have received
initiation in the three Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist;
c) he or she should not be impeded by law from fulfilling the responsibility of a
sponsor.
7. The ordinary minister of Confirmation is the Bishop. Normally a Bishop
administers the Sacrament so that there will be a clearer reference to the first outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. For after the Apostles were filled with the
Holy Spirit, they themselves gave the Spirit to the faithful through the laying on of hands.
Thus the reception of the Spirit through the ministry of the Bishop shows the close bond
that joins the confirmed to the Church and the mandate received from Christ to bear
witness to him before all.
Besides the Bishop, the following possess the faculty to confirm by the law itself:
a) territorial prelates and territorial abbots, vicars and prefects apostolic, apostolic
administrators and diocesan administrators, within the limits of their territory and
while they hold office;
b) in consideration of the person to be confirmed, a Priest who, in virtue of his
office or the mandate of the Diocesan Bishop, baptizes a person who is no longer
an infant or admits one already baptized into the full communion of the Catholic
Church;
c) as regards those who are in danger of death, the pastor or indeed any Priest.
8. The Diocesan Bishop is to administer Confirmation personally or is to take care
that another Bishop administers it; if necessity requires, he can grant the faculty to one or
more specific Priests, who are to administer this Sacrament.
For a grave cause, as sometimes is present because of the large number of those to
be confirmed, the Bishop and even the Priest endowed with the faculty of confirming in
virtue of the law or the special grant of the competent authority can in single cases also
associate Priests to themselves to administer the Sacrament.
It is preferable, moreover, that the Priests who are so invited:
11

12 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
a) aut peculiari munere vel officio in diœcesi fungantur, scilicet sint vicarii aut
generales, aut episcopales, vel foranei;
b) aut sint parochi locorum in quibus Confirmatio confertur, vel parochi locorum
ad quæ confirmandi pertinent, vel presbyteri qui peculiarem operam naverunt in
præparatione catechetica confirmandorum.
III. DE SACRAMENTI CELEBRATIONE
9. Sacramentum Confirmationis confertur per unctionem chrismatis in fronte, quæ
fit manus impositione, atque per verba: Accipe signaculum Doni Spiritus Sancti.
Impositio vero manuum, quæ fit super confirmandos cum oratione Deus
omnipotens, etsi ad validam sacramenti collationem non pertinet, magni tamen fiat ad
integritatem ritus et pleniorem sacramenti intellegentiam assequendam.
Presbyteri, qui ministro principali aliquando sociantur in conferendo sacramento,
manuum impositionem una cum ipso super omnes candidatos simul peragunt, nihil tamen
dicentes.
Universus ritus duplicem significationem præbet. Per impositionem manuum
supra confirmandos ab Episcopo ac sacerdotibus concelebrantibus factam, biblicus gestus
exprimitur, quo Spiritus Sancti donum invocatur, modo optime aptato intelligentiæ populi
christiani. In unctione chrismatis atque in verbis, quæ illam comitantur, clare effectus
doni Spiritus Sancti significatur. Oleo odorato per manum Episcopi signatus, baptizatus
accipit caracterem indelebilem, signaculum Domini, una cum dono Spiritus, qui
perfectius eum Christo configurat, atque gratiam ei confert « odorem bonum » inter
homines effundendi.
10. Sacrum Chrisma consecratur ab Episcopo in Missa, quæ ex more feria V
Hebdomadæ sanctæ huius rei causa celebratur.
11. Catechumeni adulti necnon pueri qui ætate catecheseos tradendæ baptizantur,
simul ac Baptismum receperunt, ad Confirmationem quoque et Eucharistiam ex more
admittantur. Quod si fieri nequit, Confirmationem recipiant in alia celebratione communi
(cf. n. 4). Item in celebratione communi Confirmationem et Eucharistiam recipiant adulti,
qui in infantia baptizati sunt, postquam opportune fuerint præparati.
Ad pueros quod attinet, in Ecclesia latina Confirmationis administratio generatim
ad septimum circiter ætatis annum differtur. Ob rationes tamen pastorales, præsertim ad
vehementius inculcandam in fidelium vita plenam obtemperationem Christo Domino
eiusque firmum testimonium, Conferentiæ Episcopales possunt ætatem, quæ magis
idonea videatur, decernere, ita ut hoc sacramentum, post congruam institutionem, ætate
maturiore conferatur.

INTRODUCTION
a) either exercise a particular function or office in the diocese, being, namely,
either vicars general, episcopal vicars, or district or regional vicars;
b) or are the pastors of the places where Confirmation is conferred, or pastors of
the places where the candidates belong, or Priests who have had a special part in
the catechetical preparation of those to be confirmed.
III. THE CELEBRATION OF THE SACRAMENT
9. The Sacrament of Confirmation is conferred through the anointing with Chrism
on the forehead, which is done by the laying on of the hand, and through the words:
ACCIPE SIGNACULUM DONI SPIRITUS SANCTI (BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT.)
The laying of hands on those to be confirmed, which is accompanied by the
prayer Almighty God, although it does not pertain to the validity of the Sacrament, should
still be considered to be of great importance with regard to the integrity of the rite and a
fuller understanding of the Sacrament.
The Priests who are at times associated with the principal minister in conferring
the Sacrament join him in the laying of hands on all the candidates, but say nothing.
The whole rite presents a twofold symbolism. Through the laying of hands on the
candidates by the Bishop and the concelebrating Priests, the biblical gesture, by which
the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked, is expressed in a manner well suited to the
understanding of the Christian people. In the anointing with Chrism and the
accompanying words, the effect of the giving of the Holy Spirit is clearly signified.
Signed with the perfumed oil by the hand of the Bishop, the baptized receive the indelible
character, the seal of the Lord, together with the gift of the Spirit that conforms them
more perfectly to Christ and gives them the grace of spreading among men and women
"the sweet odor of Christ."
10. The sacred Chrism is consecrated by the Bishop in the Mass that is celebrated as a
rule on Thursday of Holy Week for this purpose.
11. Adult catechumens and children who are baptized at an age when they are old
enough for catechesis should ordinarily be admitted to Confirmation and the Eucharist at
the same time as they receive Baptism. If this is impossible, they should receive
Confirmation at another communal celebration (cf. no. 4). Similarly, adults who were
baptized in infancy should, after suitable preparation, receive Confirmation and the
Eucharist at a communal celebration.
With regard to children, in the Latin Church the administration of Confirmation is
generally delayed until about the seventh year. For pastoral reasons, however, especially
to implant deeply in the lives of the faithful complete obedience to Christ the Lord and a
firm witnessing to him, the Conferences of Bishops may set an age that seems more
suitable, so that this Sacrament is conferred at a more mature age, after appropriate
formation.
12

13 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Hoc in casu debitæ adhibeantur cautelæ, ut, si periculum mortis aut alius generis
graves difficultates occurrant, pueri tempore opportuno confirmentur, etiam ante usum
rationis, ne bono sacramenti priventur.
12. Ad Confirmationem recipiendam requiritur ut quis sit baptizatus. Præterea, si
fidelis usu rationis pollet, requiritur, ut in statu gratiæ sit constitutus, sit convenienter
instructus et promissiones baptismales valeat renovare.
Conferentiarum Episcopalium est subsidia pastoralia pressius definire, ut
candidati, præsertim pueri, ad Confirmationem apte præparentur.
Ad adultos autem quod spectat, principia serventur, opportune aptata, quæ in
singulis diœcesibus vigent pro admittendis catechumenis ad Baptismum et Eucharistiam.
Provideatur præsertim ut apta catechesis præcedat ac conversatio candidatorum cum
communitate christiana et cum singulis fidelibus efficax et sufficiens sit ad opportunum
auxilium illis afferendum, ut ipsi candidati formationem assequantur ad testimonium vitæ
christianæ reddendum atque apostolatum exercendum, eorumque desiderium participandi
Eucharistiam sit verum (cf. Prænotanda de Initiatione christiana adultorum, n. 19).
Præparatio adulti baptizati ad Confirmationem aliquando incidit in eius
præparationem ad Matrimonium. Quoties, his in casibus, prævidetur condiciones, quæ ad
fructuosam Confirmationis receptionem requirantur, non posse impleri, Ordinarius loci
iudicabit num magis opportunum sit ipsam Confirmationem in tempus post celebratum
Matrimonium differre.
Si autem Confirmatio confertur fideli, rationis usu gaudenti et in mortis periculo
versanti, præparatio spiritualis singulis in casibus conveniens, ut fieri potest, præmittatur.
13. Confirmatio fit ex more intra Missam, ut magis eluceat fundamentalis connexio
huius sacramenti cum tota initiatione christiana, quæ culmen attingit in Communione
corporis et sanguinis Christi. Hac ratione confirmati Eucharistiam participant, qua
ipsorum initiatio christiana perficitur.
Si autem confirmandi sunt pueri qui nondum receperunt Ss.mam Eucharistiam
neque in hac actione liturgica admittuntur ad primam Communionem, aut si peculiaria
rerum adiuncta id suadent, conferatur extra Missam. Quoties vero Confirmatio sine Missa
confertur, præcedat sacra verbi Dei celebratio.
Quoties Confirmatio intra Missam confertur convenit ut ipse minister
Confirmationis Missam celebret, immo concelebret, præsertim cum presbyteris, qui forte
ipsi sociantur in sacramento ministrando.
Si Missa ab alio celebratur, convenit ut Episcopus liturgiam verbi præsideat, in
qua omnia peragat, quæ ex more celebranti competunt, et in fine Missæ det
benedictionem.

INTRODUCTION
In this case every necessary precaution is to be taken to ensure that, in the event
of danger of death or serious problems of another kind, children receive Confirmation in
good time, even before the use of reason, so that they are not left without the benefit of
this Sacrament.
12. Those who are to receive Confirmation must have already been baptized.
Moreover, those faithful possessing the use of reason must be in the state of grace, be
properly instructed, and be capable of renewing the baptismal promises.
It is for the Conferences of Bishops to determine more precisely the catechetical
resources, so that the candidates, especially children, are suitably prepared for
Confirmation.
In the case of adults, those principles that are in force in the individual dioceses
for admitting catechumens to Baptism and Eucharist should be followed, with appropriate
adaptation. Measures should especially be taken so that suitable catechesis precedes
Confirmation and that the association of the candidates with the Christian community and
with individual members of the faithful be effective and sufficient in offering them
practical help towards achieving formation for bearing witness to the Christian life and
for carrying on the apostolate and towards instilling in them a genuine desire to
participate in the Eucharist (cf. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Introduction, no.
19).
Sometimes the preparation of a baptized adult for Confirmation coincides with his
or her preparation for Marriage. In such cases, whenever it is foreseen that the conditions
for a fruitful reception of Confirmation cannot be satisfied, the local Ordinary will judge
whether it is more appropriate to defer Confirmation until after the celebration of
Marriage.
In addition, if Confirmation is conferred on a member of the faithful who has the
use of reason and is in danger of death, a spiritual preparation, suited, as far as possible,
to the individual situation, should be given beforehand.
13. As a rule, Confirmation takes place within Mass so that the fundamental
connection of this Sacrament with all of Christian Initiation, which reaches its
culmination in the Communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, may stand out in a
clearer light. The newly confirmed therefore participate in the Eucharist, which
completes their Christian Initiation.
If, however, the candidates for Confirmation are children who have not received
the Most Holy Eucharist and are not being admitted to First Communion at this liturgical
celebration or if other special circumstances so suggest, Confirmation should be
conferred outside Mass. Whenever Confirmation is conferred without Mass, a celebration
of the word of God should precede it.
When Confirmation is conferred within Mass, it is fitting that the minister of
Confirmation celebrate the Mass or, better, concelebrate it, especially with those Priests
who happen to be joined with him in administering the Sacrament.
If the Mass is celebrated by someone else, it is fitting that the Bishop preside over
the Liturgy of the Word, doing all that the celebrant normally does, and that he give the
blessing at the end of Mass.
13

14 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Maximi facienda est celebratio verbi Dei, a qua initium sumit ritus
Confirmationis. Etenim e verbi Dei auditione promanat multiformis actio Spiritus Sancti
in Ecclesiam et in unumquemque baptizatorum seu confirmandorum, eaque voluntas
Domini in vita christianorum manifestatur.
Magnum quoque momentum tribuendum est recitationi orationis dominicæ quam
confirmandi una cum populo persolvent, sive infra Missam ante Communionem sive
extra Missam ante benedictionem habeatur, quia est ipse Spiritus qui orat in nobis, et
christianus in Spiritu dicit: « Abba, Pater ».
14. Nomina confirmatorum, facta mentione ministri, parentum et patrinorum, loci et
diei collatae Confirmationis in librum confirmatorum curiae diocesanae adnotentur, vel,
ubi id praescripserit Episcoporum Conferentia aut Episcopus dioecesanus, in librum in
archivo paroeciali conservandum; parochus debet de collata Confirmatione monere
parochum loci Baptismi, ut adnotatio fiat in libro baptizatorum ad normam iuris
faciendam.
15. Si parochus loci praesens non fuerit, eundem de collata Confirmatione minister
per se vel per alium quamprimum eundem certiorem faciat.
IV. DE APTATIONIBUS QUÆ IN RITU CONFIRMATIONIS PERAGI POSSUNT
16. Conferentiis Episcopalibus competit, vi Constitutionis de sacra Liturgia (art. 63
b), in Ritualibus particularibus parare titulum, qui huic Pontificalis Romani titulo de
Confirmatione respondeat, accommodatum singularum regionum necessitatibus, ut, actis
ab Apostolica Sede recognitis, in regionibus ad quas pertinet adhibeatur. 1
17. Episcoporum Conferentia considerabit num, attentis locorum et rerum adiunctis
necnon ingenio et traditionibus populorum, opportunum sit:
a) convenienter aptare formulas, quibus promissiones et professiones baptismales
renoventur, sive ad ipsum textum in Ordine Baptismi occurrentem attendendo,
sive ipsas formulas accommodando, quo aptius confirmandorum condicioni
respondeant;
b) alium modum inducere ad pacem per ministrum dandam post unctionem sive
singulis sive omnibus simul confirmatis.
18. Minister autem, singulis in casibus et attenta confirmandorum condicione,
monitiones aliquas in ritum introducere poterit, atque iam exstantes opportune
accommodare, ex. gr. eas ad modum collocutionis, præsertim cum pueris, proponendo,
etc.
Cum Confirmatio a ministro extraordinario, aut ex concessione iuris generalis aut
ex peculiari indulto Sedis Apostolicæ, confertur, convenit ut ipse in homilia mentionem
1
Cf. Ordo Baptismi parvulorum, (Typis Polyglottis Vaticanis 1969), Prænotanda generalia de Initiatione
christiana, nn. 30-33, pp. 12-13.

INTRODUCTION
Great emphasis should be placed on the celebration of the word of God that
introduces the rite of Confirmation. For it is from the hearing of the word of God that the
many-sided work of the Holy Spirit flows out upon the Church and upon each one of the
baptized and confirmed and that the Lord’s will is made known in the life of Christians.
Great importance is likewise to be attached to the saying of the Lord's Prayer,
which those to be confirmed recite together with the congregation–either during Mass
before Communion or outside Mass before the blessing–because it is the Spirit who prays
in us and in the Spirit the Christian says: "Abba, Father."
14. The names of those confirmed, with mention made of the minister, the parents,
and sponsors, and the place and date of the conferral of Confirmation are to be recorded
in the Confirmation register of the diocesan curia, or, where the Conference of Bishops or
the Diocesan Bishop has prescribed it, in a register to be kept in the parish archives. The
pastor must inform the pastor of the place of Baptism about the conferral of
Confirmation, so that a notation is made in the baptismal register, according to the norm
of the law.
15. If the pastor of the place was not present, the minister either personally or through
another is to inform him, as soon as possible, about the conferral of Confirmation.
IV. ADAPTATIONS THAT MAY BE CARRIED OUT IN THE RITE OF CONFIRMATION
16. It is for Conferences of Bishops, by virtue of the Constitution on the Sacred
Liturgy (art. 63 b), to prepare in particular ritual books the rite of Confirmation, which
corresponds to this rite of Confirmation in the Roman Pontifical, adapted to the needs of
the particular regions, for use in the regions under their care, after their decisions have
been approved by the Apostolic See. 1
17. The Conference of Bishops will consider whether, with due consideration for
local circumstances and the culture and traditions of peoples, it is opportune:
a) to make suitable adaptations of the formulas for the renewal of baptismal
promises and professions of faith, either following the text in the Order of
Baptism or accommodating these formulas so that they more suitably correspond
to the state of those to be confirmed.
b) to introduce a different manner for the minister to give the sign of peace after
the anointing, either to each individual or to all the newly confirmed together.
18. In individual cases and with due consideration for the capacity of those to be
confirmed, the minister, moreover, may introduce some explanations into the rite and
may also make appropriate accommodations in the existing texts, for example, by
expressing these in a kind of dialogue, especially with children.
When Confirmation is conferred by an extraordinary minister, whether by
concession of the general law or by special indult of the Apostolic See, it is fitting for
1 Cf. Rite of Baptism for Children (1969), General Instruction on Christian Initiation, nos. 30-33.
14

15 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
habeat de Episcopo ministro originario sacramenti, ac rationem illustret cur etiam
presbyteris facultas confirmandi a iure vel ab Apostolicæ Sedis indulto tribuitur.
V. DE IIS QUÆ PRÆPARANDA SUNT
19. Ad Confirmationem administrandam parentur:
a) sacræ vestes, quæ ad Missæ celebrationem requiruntur sive pro Episcopo, sive,
si adsunt, pro presbyteris eum adiuvantibus, cum Confirmatio confertur intra
Missam, quam ipsi concelebrant; si Missa ab alio celebratur, convenit ut
Confirmationis minister et presbyteri, qui ei sociantur in sacramento ministrando,
Missam participent sacris vestibus induti pro Confirmationis collatione præcriptis,
scilicet alba, stola et, pro ministro Confirmationis, pluviali; quæ vestes induuntur
etiam cum Confirmatio extra Missam confertur.
b) sedes pro Episcopo, et pro presbyteris eum adiuvantibus;
c) vasculum (vel vascula) cum sacro Chrismate;
d) Pontificale Romanum vel Rituale;
e) ea quæ necessaria sunt ad Missæ celebrationem et, si sacra Communio hac
forma distribuitur, pro Communione sub utraque specie, cum Confirmatio intra
Missam confertur;
f) ea quæ necessaria sunt ad manus abluendas post unctionem confirmandorum.

INTRODUCTION
him to mention in the homily that the Bishop is the ordinary minister of the Sacrament
and to explain the reason why even Priests receive the faculty to confirm from the law or
by an indult of the Apostolic See.
V. THINGS TO BE PREPARED
19. The following should be prepared for the administration of Confirmation:
a) the sacred vestments prescribed for the celebration of Mass both for the
Bishop and for any Priests assisting him, when Confirmation is conferred
within a Mass at which they concelebrate. If the Mass is celebrated by
someone else, it is appropriate that the minister of Confirmation and the
Priests joining him in administering the Sacrament should take part in the
Mass wearing the sacred vestments prescribed for the conferral of
Confirmation, namely: the alb, the stole, and, for the minister of
Confirmation, the cope; these vestments are also worn when Confirmation
is conferred outside Mass;
b) chairs for the Bishop and the Priests assisting him;
c) vessel (or vessels) with sacred Chrism;
d) The Roman Pontifical or The Roman Ritual;
e) the requisites for the celebration of Mass and, if Holy Communion is
distributed in this form, for Communion under both kinds, when
Confirmation is conferred within Mass;
f) the requisites for the washing of hands after the anointing of those to be
confirmed.
15

CAPUT I
ORDO AD CONFIRMATIONEM INTRA MISSAM CONFERENDAM
20. Liturgia verbi peragitur ad normam rubricarum. Lectiones tamen sumi possunt
sive ex toto sive ex parte vel e Missa diei vel e textibus in Ordine lectionum Missæ (nn.
763-767) propositis et infra (nn. 61-65) notatis.
21. Dicto Evangelio, Episcopus (et presbyteri qui ipsi sociantur) in sede parata sedent.
Confirmandi præsentantur a parocho vel ab alio presbytero vel a diacono vel etiam a
catechista, secundum morem uniuscuiusque regionis, hoc modo: singuli confirmandi, si
fieri potest, nominatim vocantur, singulique accedunt ad presbyterium; si vero sunt pueri,
adducuntur ab uno e patrinis vel ab uno e parentibus, et coram celebrante consistunt.
Si confirmandi permulti sunt, nominatim non vocantur; disponuntur tamen loco
opportuno coram Episcopo.
Homilia seu allocutio
22. Tunc Episcopus brevem habet homiliam, qua, illustrans ea quæ lecta sunt,
confirmandos eorumque patrinos et parentes, ac totum cœtum fidelium veluti manu ducit
ad profundius intellegendum Confirmationis mysterium.
Quod facere potest his vel similibus verbis:
Apostoli, qui die Pentecostes, secundum Domini promissionem, Spiritum
Sanctum acceperant, potestatem habebant opus Baptismi per donationem Spiritus
Sancti perficiendi, sicut legimus in Actibus Apostolorum. Cum sanctus Paulus
super quosdam baptizatos manus imposuisset, venit Spiritus Sanctus super eos, et
loquebantur linguis et prophetabant.
Episcopi, Apostolorum successores, eadem gaudent potestate, et sive per se
sive per presbyteros ad hoc ministerium adimplendum legitime constitutos,
Spiritum Sanctum iis conferunt, qui per Baptismum iam sunt regenerati.
Etsi hodie adventus Spiritus Sancti dono linguarum non amplius declaratur,
fide tamen scimus illum, per quem caritas Dei in cordibus nostris diffunditur et in
unitate fidei et multiplicitate vocationum congregamur, a nobis accipi
invisibiliterque ad sanctificationem et unitatem Ecclesiæ operari.

CHAPTER 1
THE ORDER FOR THE CONFERRAL OF CONFIRMATION 1 WITHIN MASS
20. The Liturgy of the Word is celebrated in accordance with the rubrics. 2 The
readings, however, may be taken in whole or in part from the Mass of the day or from the
texts for Confirmation in the Lectionary for Mass (nos. 763-767) and listed below (nos.
61-65).
21. After the Gospel the Bishop sits at the seat prepared for him (as do the Priests
who are associated with him 3 ). The candidates for Confirmation are presented by the
parish Priest (pastor) or another Priest, or by a Deacon, or even 4 by a catechist, in
accordance with the custom of each region, in this way: if possible, each of those to be
confirmed is called by name and individually approaches the sanctuary; but if they are
children, they are accompanied by one of their sponsors or parents and stand before the
celebrant.
If there are very many candidates, they are not called by name; but they are
assigned to a suitable place before the Bishop.
The Homily or Address
22. The Bishop then gives a brief homily, by which, shedding light 5 on the readings,
he leads, as if by hand, those to be confirmed, their sponsors and parents, and the whole
gathering of the faithful 6 to a deeper understanding of the mystery of Confirmation.
He may do so in these or similar words:
The Apostles, who had received the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost in
fulfillment of the Lord's promise, had power to complete the work of Baptism by the
giving of the Holy Spirit, as we read in the Acts of the Apostles. 7 When Saint Paul had
laid his hands on certain people who had been baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon them,
and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 8
The Bishops, as successors of the Apostles, possess the same power and, either in
their own right or through Priests lawfully appointed to fulfill this ministry, they confer
the Holy Spirit on those who have already been born again in Baptism.
Even if today the coming of the Holy Spirit is no longer widely made manifest by
the gift of tongues, we know by faith that the Spirit, through whom the love of God has
been poured into our hearts 9 and through whom we are gathered in unity of faith and in
diversity of callings, 10 is received by us and is working invisibly to make the Church holy
and one. 11

17 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Donatio Spiritus Sancti, quem accepturi estis, dilectissimi, signaculum erit
spiritale, quo vos Christi conformes et Ecclesiæ eius membra perfectius fietis.
Spiritu enim Sancto unctus in baptismate, quod a Ioanne recepit, ipse Christus
missus est ad opus ministerii sui, ut eiusdem Spiritus ignem in terram effunderet.
Vos ergo, qui iam baptizati estis, nunc accipietis virtutem Spiritus eius et
cruce eius in fronte signabimini. Testimonium igitur Passionis et Resurrectionis
eius coram mundo perhibere debebitis, ita ut conversatio vestra, ut ait Apostolus,
sit in omni loco bonus odor Christi. Cuius mysticum corpus, quod est Ecclesia,
Dei populus, diversas ab eo accipit gratias, quas idem Spiritus Sanctus singulis
dividit ad ædificationem corporis in unitate et caritate.
Estote ergo membra viva huius Ecclesiæ et, sub ductu Spiritus Sancti,
omnibus servire studete, sicut Christus, qui non venit ministrari, sed ministrare.
Nunc autem, priusquam Spiritum accipiatis, mementote fidei, quam in
Baptismate professi estis vel parentes et patrini vestri cum Ecclesia professi sunt.
Renovatio promissionum baptismalium
23. Postea Episcopus interrogat confirmandos, qui omnes simul stant, dicens:
Abrenuntiatis Satanæ et omnibus operibus et seductionibus eius?
Confirmandi omnes simul respondent:
Abrenuntio.
Episcopus:
Creditis in Deum Patrem omnipotentem, creatorem cæli et terræ?
Confirmandi:
Credo.
Episcopus:
Creditis in Iesum Christum, Filium eius unicum, Dominum nostrum, natum
ex Maria Virgine, passum et sepultum, qui a mortuis resurrexit et sedet ad
dexteram Patris?
Confirmandi:
Credo.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
Dearly beloved, the gift of the Holy Spirit, which you are about to receive, will be
a spiritual seal, 12 by which you will be conformed to Christ 13 and will be made more
fully members of his Church. 14 For Christ himself, anointed by the Holy Spirit in the
baptism he received from John, was sent forth for the work of his ministry, 15 to pour out
on the earth the fire of the same Spirit.
Therefore, you who are already baptized will now receive the power of his Spirit
and be signed with his Cross on your foreheads. And so, you must always bear witness to
his Passion and Resurrection before the world, so that your manner of life, as the Apostle
says, may be in every place the pleasing fragrance of Christ. 16 His Mystical Body, which
is the Church, the People of God, receives from him diverse graces, which the same Holy
Spirit distributes to individuals for the building-up of that Body in unity and love. 17
Be living members of this Church, therefore, and, under the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, seek to serve all people like Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. 18
And now, before you receive the Spirit, call to mind the faith which you professed
in Baptism or which your parents and godparents professed with the Church.
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
23. After the homily the Bishop questions those to be confirmed, who together all
stand, as he says:
RM Do you renounce Satan,
and all his works and empty promises? 19
I do.
Together, all those to be confirmed reply 20 :
Bishop:
Do you believe in God,
the Father almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth?
I do.
Those to be confirmed:
Bishop:
Do you believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered death and was buried,
rose again from the dead
and is seated at the right hand of the Father?
I do.
Those to be confirmed:
17

18 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Episcopus:
Creditis in Spiritum Sanctum, Dominum et vivificantem, qui hodie, per
sacramentum Confirmationis, vobis, sicut Apostolis die Pentecostes, singulari
modo confertur?
Confirmandi:
Credo.
Episcopus:
Creditis in sanctam Ecclesiam catholicam, Sanctorum communionem,
remissionem peccatorum, carnis resurrectionem et vitam æternam?
Confirmandi:
Credo.
Cui professioni assentitur Episcopus, proclamans fidem Ecclesiæ:
Hæc est fides nostra. Hæc est fides Ecclesiæ, quam profiteri gloriamur, in
Christo Iesu Domino nostro.
Et cœtus fidelium assentitur respondendo:
Amen.
Pro formula Hæc est fides nostra aliam substitui licet pro opportunitate, vel
etiam cantum aptum, quo communitas una voce fidem suam exprimere possit.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
Bishop:
Do you believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Lord, the giver of life,
who today through the Sacrament of Confirmation
is given to you in a special way
just as he was given to the Apostles on the day of Pentecost?
I do.
Those to be confirmed:
Bishop:
Do you believe in the holy Catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting?
I do.
Those to be confirmed:
The Bishop gives his assent to the profession by proclaiming the faith of the
Church:
This is our faith. This is the faith of the Church,
and we are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The gathering of the faithful 21 gives its assent by replying:
Amen.
For the formula This is our faith, it is permitted 22 to substitute, if appropriate,
some other formula or even some suitable chant, by which the community is able to
express its faith.
18

19 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Impositio manuum
24. Deinde Episcopus (habens apud se presbyteros qui ipsi sociantur) stans, manibus
iunctis, versus ad populum, dicit:
Oremus, dilectissimi, Deum Patrem omnipotentem,
ut super hos filios adoptionis suæ,
iam in Baptismate æternæ vitæ renatos,
Spiritum Sanctum benignus effundat,
qui illos abundantia suorum confirmet donorum,
et unctione sua Christi, Filii Dei, conformes perficiat.
Et omnes per aliquod temporis spatium in silentio orant.
25. Deinde Episcopus (et presbyteri qui ipsi sociantur) manus super omnes
confirmandos imponunt. Solus autem Episcopus dicit:
Deus omnipotens, Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi,
qui hos famulos tuos regenerasti
ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto,
liberans eos a peccato,
tu, Domine, immitte in eos Spiritum Sanctum Paraclitum;
da eis spiritum sapientiæ et intellectus,
spiritum consilii et fortitudinis,
spiritum scientiæ et pietatis;
adimple eos spiritu timoris tui.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Chrismatio
26. Tunc Episcopo offertur a diacono sanctum Chrisma. Unusquisque
confirmandorum accedit ad Episcopum; vel pro opportunitate ipse Episcopus accedit ad
singulos confirmandos. Qui autem confirmandum præsentavit, ponit manum dexteram
super umerum eius et dicit Episcopo nomen eius, vel confirmandus sua sponte nomen
dicit.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
The Laying on of Hands
24. Then the Bishop (while the Priests associated with him remain by his side 23 )
standing, facing the people, with hands joined, says:
Dearly beloved,
let us pray to God the almighty Father,
for these, his adopted sons and daughters, 24
already born again to eternal life in Baptism,
that he will graciously pour out the Holy Spirit upon them
to confirm them with his abundant gifts,
and through his anointing
conform them more fully to Christ, 25 the Son of God.
And all pray in silence for a while. 26
25. Then the Bishop lays hands upon all those to be confirmed (as do the Priests who
are associated with him). But the Bishop alone says:
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 27
who brought these your servants to new birth
by water and the Holy Spirit, 28
freeing them from sin:
send upon them, O Lord, the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete;
give them the spirit of wisdom and understanding,
the spirit of counsel and fortitude,
the spirit of knowledge and piety;
fill them with the spirit of the fear of the Lord. 29
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
The Anointing with Chrism
26. The sacred Chrism is brought by the Deacon to the Bishop. Each of those to be
confirmed goes to the Bishop; or, if appropriate, the Bishop goes to each of those to be
confirmed. The one who presented the person to be confirmed places his (her) right hand
on his (her) shoulder and says the name of the one to be confirmed to the Bishop; or the
one to be confirmed alone says his (her) own name.
19

20 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
27. Episcopus, summitate pollicis dexteræ manus in Chrismate intincta, ducit pollice
signum crucis in fronte confirmandi, dicens:
N., accipe signaculum Doni Spiritus Sancti.
Et confirmatus respondet:
Amen.
Episcopus subdit:
Pax tibi.
Confirmatus:
Et cum spiritu tuo.
28. Si autem presbyteri Episcopum adiuvant ad conferendum Sacramentum, omnia
vascula sancti Chrismatis a diacono vel a ministris Episcopo offeruntur, qui ea præbet
unicuique ex presbyteris ad se accedenti.
Confirmandi accedunt ad Episcopum vel ad presbyteros; aut pro opportunitate
Episcopus et presbyteri accedunt ad confirmandos, qui unguntur modo supra descripto (n.
27).
29. Inter unctionem cani potest aliquis cantus aptus. Post unctionem Episcopus (et
presbyteri) lavat manus.
Oratio universalis
30. Sequitur oratio universalis, hac vel simili forma a competente auctoritate statuta
facienda.
Episcopus:
Deum Patrem omnipotentem, fratres carissimi, suppliciter
deprecemur; unanimis sit oratio nostra, sicuti una sunt fides,
spes et caritas, quæ a Spiritu eius Sancto procedunt.
Diaconus vel minister:
Pro iis famulis suis,
quos donatio Spiritus Sancti confirmavit:
ut, in fide radicati et in caritate fundati,
Christo Domino testimonium sua conversatione perhibeant,
Dominum precemur.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
27. The Bishop dips the tip of his right-hand thumb in the Chrism and, with the
thumb, makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he
says:
N., BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The newly confirmed replies:
Amen.
The Bishop adds:
RM Peace be with you. 30
The newly confirmed:
RM And with your spirit. 31
28. If Priests assist the Bishop in conferring the Sacrament, all the vessels of sacred
Chrism are brought to the Bishop by the Deacon or by the ministers. As each of the
Priests comes to the Bishop, he gives each a vessel of Chrism.
Those to be confirmed go to the Bishop or to the Priests; or, if appropriate, the
Bishop and Priests go to those to be confirmed. The anointing is done as described above
(no. 27).
29. During the anointing a suitable chant may be sung. After the anointing the Bishop
washes his hands (as do the Priests).
The Universal Prayer
30. The Universal Prayer follows in this or a similar form determined by the
competent authority.
Bishop:
My dear brothers and sisters,
let us humbly pray to God the almighty Father
and be of one mind in our prayer,
just as faith, hope and charity,
which proceed from his Holy Spirit, are one.
Deacon or minister:
For these his servants,
whom the gift of the Holy Spirit has confirmed:
that, rooted in faith and grounded in love, 32
they may bear witness to Christ the Lord by their way of life,
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.
20

21 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Diaconus vel minister:
Pro parentibus et patrinis eorum:
ut, quibus fidei sponsores se præbuerunt,
eos ad sequenda Christi vestigia
verbo et exemplo hortari non desinant,
Dominum precemur.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.
Diaconus vel minister:
Pro Ecclesia sancta Dei, una cum Papa nostro N.,
Episcopo nostro N.
et Episcopis universis:
ut, Spiritu Sancto congregata,
in unitate fidei et caritatis
usque ad adventum Domini dilatetur et crescat,
Dominum precemur.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.
Diaconus vel minister:
Pro mundo universo:
ut omnes homines, qui unum habent Auctorem et Patrem,
sese fratres sine discrimine generis
vel nationis agnoscant,
et regnum Dei, quod est pax et gaudium in Spiritu Sancto,
sincero corde requirant,
Dominum precemur.
R. Te rogamus, audi nos.
Episcopus:
Deus, qui Apostolis tuis Sanctum dedisti Spiritum,
et per eos eorumque successores
ceteris fidelibus tradendum esse voluisti,
exaudi propitius orationem nostram et præsta,
ut quod in ipsis evangelicæ prædicationis exordiis
tua est operata dignatio,
nunc quoque per credentium corda diffundat.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Liturgia eucharistica
31. Absoluta oratione universali, proceditur ad liturgiam eucharisticam, secundum
Ordinem Missæ, præter ea quæ infra notantur:
a) Symbolum omittitur, cum professio fidei iam facta sit;

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
Deacon or minister:
For their parents and sponsors:
that by word and example
they may continue to encourage
those whom they have sponsored in the faith
to follow in the footsteps of Christ, 33
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.
Deacon or minister:
For the holy Church of God
together with N. our Pope, N. our Bishop and all the Bishops:
that, gathered by the Holy Spirit, 34
the Church may grow and increase in unity of faith and love
until the coming of the Lord,
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.
Deacon or minister:
For the whole world:
that all people, who have one Maker and Father,
will acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters,
without discrimination of race or nation,
and with sincere hearts will seek the Kingdom of God,
which is peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,
let us pray to the Lord.
R. Lord, we ask you, hear our prayer.
Bishop:
O God, who gave the Holy Spirit to your Apostles
and willed that through them and their successors
the same Spirit be handed on to the rest of the faithful,
listen favorably to our prayer,
and grant that your divine grace,
which was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed,
may now spread through the hearts of those who believe in you. 35
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
31. After the Universal Prayer the Liturgy of the Eucharist is celebrated according to
the Order of Mass, with these changes:
a) the Creed is omitted, since the Profession of Faith has already taken place.
21

22 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
b) nonnulli e confirmatis se possunt cum iis coniungere, qui oblata deferunt;
c) quando adhibetur Canon Romanus, dicitur Hanc igitur proprium.
32. Confirmati adulti et, pro opportunitate, eorum patrini, parentes, coniuges et
catechistæ Communionem recipere possunt sub utraque specie.
Benedictio
33. Loco benedietionis consuetæ, in fine Missæ adhibetur benedictio, quæ sequitur,
vel oratio super populum.
Benedicat vos Deus Pater omnipotens,
qui vos, ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto renatos,
filios suæ adoptionis effecit,
et dignos sua paterna dilectione custodiat.
R. Amen.
Benedicat vos Filius eius unigenitus,
qui Spiritum veritatis
in Ecclesia mansurum esse promisit,
et vos in confessione veræ fidei sua virtute confirmet.
R. Amen.
Benedicat vos Spiritus Sanctus,
qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit.
et vos, in unum congregatos,
ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat.
R. Amen.
Et statim additur:
Benedicat vos omnipotens Deus,
Pater, et Filius, + et Spiritus Sanctus.
R. Amen.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
b) some of the confirmed may join those who bring forward the offerings 36 ;
c) when the Roman Canon is used, the proper form of the Hanc igitur (Therefore,
Lord, we pray) is said, 37 no. 58. When Eucharistic Prayer II or Eucharistic Prayer
III is used, the proper forms for these Prayers are said, no. 58. 38
32. Adults who are confirmed, and, if appropriate, their sponsors, parents, spouses,
and catechists may receive Communion under both kinds.
The Blessing
33. Instead of the usual blessing, the following blessing or Prayer over the People is
used at the end of Mass.
RM The Deacon or, in his absence, the minister of Confirmation himself, says the
invitation: Bow down for the blessing. 39
The Bishop, with hands extended over the newly confirmed, says: 40
RM May God the Father almighty bless you,
whom he has made his adopted sons and daughters
reborn from water and the Holy Spirit,
and may he keep you worthy of his fatherly love.
R. Amen.
May his Only Begotten Son,
who promised that the Spirit of truth would abide in his Church,
bless you and confirm you by his power
in the confession of the true faith.
R. Amen.
May the Holy Spirit,
who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
bless you and lead you blameless and gathered as one
into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
R. Amen. 41
And he blesses all the people, adding: 42
And may almighty God bless all of you, who are gathered here,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
R. Amen.
22

23 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Oratio super populum
aliud.
Loco formulæ benedictionis prædictæ, adhiberi potest oratio super populum.
Diaconus vel minister dicit invitatorium: Inclinate vos ad benedictionem, vel
Deinde Episcopus manibus super populum extensis, dicit:
Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis,
et Spiritus Sancti dona
in cordibus tuorum custodi fidelium,
ut et Christum crucifixum
coram mundo confiteri non erubescant,
et mandata eius devota caritate perficiant.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Et statim addit:
Et benedicat vos omnipotens Deus,
Pater, et Filius, + et Spiritus Sanctus.
R. Amen.

CELEBRATION WITHIN MASS
The Prayer over the People
Instead of the preceding formula of blessing, the Prayer over the People may be
RM
used.
The Deacon or, in his absence, the minister of Confirmation himself, says the
invitation: Bow down for the blessing. 43
The Bishop, with hands extended over the people, says:
RM Confirm, O God,
what you have brought about in us,
and preserve in the hearts of your faithful
the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
may they never be ashamed
to confess Christ crucified before the world
and by devoted charity
may they ever fulfill his commands.
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
R. Amen. 44
The Bishop adds immediately:
And may the blessing of almighty God,
the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
come down on you and remain with you for ever.
R. Amen.
23

CAPUT II
ORDO AD CONFIRMATIONEM SINE MISSA CONFERENDAM
Ritus introitus
34. Confirmandis cum patrinis et parentibus et omni cœtu fidelium congregatis,
Episcopus cum (presbyteris qui ipsi sociantur et) uno vel pluribus diaconis et ministris
accedit ad presbyterium, omnibus psalmum vel cantum aptum pro opportunitate
cantantibus.
35. Facta, una cum ministris, debita reverentia altari, Episcopus salutat cœtum
congregatum:
Pax vobis.
Omnes:
Et cum spiritu tuo.
Deinde dicit orationem:
Oremus.
Præsta, quæsumus, omnipotens et misericors Deus,
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens
templum nos gloriæ suæ
dignanter inhabitando perficiat.
Per Christum Dominum nostrum.
R. Amen.
Aliæ orationes ad libitum, nn. 58, 59, 60.
Verbi Dei celebratio
36. Fit deinde sacra verbi Dei celebratio, in qua legitur saltem una e pericopis, quæ
pro Missa Confirmationis proponuntur (cf. n. 61-65).

CHAPTER II
THE ORDER FOR THE CONFERRAL OF CONFIRMATION WITHOUT MASS
The Introductory Rites
34. When those to be confirmed are assembled 45 with their sponsors and parents, and
the whole gathering 46 of the faithful, the Bishop approaches the sanctuary with (the
Priests who are associated with him) one or more Deacons and the ministers while all
sing, if appropriate, a psalm or other suitable chant. 47
35. After making, together with the ministers, the usual reverence to the altar, the
Bishop greets the congregation: 48
RM Peace be with you.
All:
RM And with your spirit.
Then he says the prayer:
Let us pray.
RM Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen. 49
Other optional prayers, nos. 58, 59, 60.
The Celebration of the Word of God
36. The celebration of the word of God takes place, in which at least one of the
readings proposed for the Mass of Confirmation (cf. nos. 61-65) is read.

25 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
37. Si duæ vel tres lectiones seliguntur, ordo lectionum traditus servetur, hoc est ex
Vetere Testamento, ex Apostolo, ex Evangelio. Post primam et secundam lectionem
ponatur psalmus vel alius cantus, cuius loco tamen etiam sacrum silentium servari potest.
38. Lectionibus expletis, Episcopus (et presbyteri qui ipsi sociantur) in sede parata
sedent. Confirmandi præsentantur a parocho, vel ab alio presbytero vel a diacono vel
etiam a catechista, secundum morem uniuscuiusque regionis, hoc modo: singuli
confirmandi, si fieri potest, nominatim vocantur, singulique accedunt ad presbyterium; si
vero sunt pueri, adducuntur ab uno e patrinis vel ab uno e parentibus, et coram celebrante
consistunt.
Si confirmandi permulti sunt, nominatim non vocantur; disponuntur tamen loco
opportuno coram Episcopo.
Homilia seu allocutio
39. Tunc Episcopus brevem habet homiliam, qua, illustrans ea quæ lecta sunt,
confirmandos eorumque patrinos et parentes, ac totum cœtum fidelium veluti manu ducit
ad profundius intellegendum Confirmationis mysterium.
Quod facere potest his vel similibus verbis:
Renovatio promissionum baptismalium
40. Postea Episcopus interrogat confirmandos, qui omnes simul stant, dicens:
Impositio manuum
41. Deinde Episcopus (habens apud se presbyteros qui ipsi sociantur), stans, manibus
iunctis, versus ad populum, dicit:
Et omnes per aliquod temporis spatium in silentio orant.
42. Deinde Episcopus (et presbyteri qui ipsi sociantur) manus super omnes
confirmandos imponunt. Solus autem Episcopus dicit:

CELEBRATION WITHOUT MASS
37. If two or three readings are chosen, the traditional order of readings is followed,
that is, from the Old Testament, the Apostle, and the Gospel. After the first and second
reading there should be a psalm or another chant, but in its place sacred silence may also
be observed.
38. After the Gospel the Bishop sits at the seat prepared for him (as do the Priests
who are associated with him). The candidates for Confirmation are presented by the
parish Priest (pastor) or another Priest, or by a Deacon, or even by a catechist, in
accordance with the custom of each region, in this way: if possible, each of those to be
confirmed is called by name and individually approaches the sanctuary; but if they are
children, they are accompanied by one of their sponsors or parents and stand before the
celebrant.
If there are very many candidates, they are not called by name; but they are
assigned to a suitable place before the Bishop. 50
The Homily or Address
39. The Bishop then gives a brief homily, by which, shedding light on the readings,
he leads, as if by hand, those to be confirmed, their sponsors and parents, and the whole
gathering of the faithful to a deeper understanding of the mystery of Confirmation.
He may do so in these or similar words: 51
(no. 39 = no. 22)
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises
40. After the homily the Bishop questions those to be confirmed, who together all
stand, as he says: 52
(no. 40 = no. 23)
The Laying on of hands
41. Then the Bishop (while the Priests associated with him remain by his side)
standing, facing the people, with hands joined, says: 53
(no. 41 = no. 24)
And all pray in silence for a while.
42. Then the Bishop lays hands upon all those to be confirmed (as do the Priests who
are associated with him). But the Bishop alone says: 54
25

26 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Chrismatio
43. Tunc Episcopo offertur a diacono sanctum Chrisma. Unusquisque
confirmandorum accedit ad Episcopum; vel pro opportunitate ipse Episcopus accedit ad
singulos confirmandos. Qui autem confirmandum præsentavit, ponit manum dexteram
super umerum eius et dicit Episcopo nomen eius, vel confirmandus sua sponte nomen
dicit.
44. Episcopus, summitate pollicis dexteræ manus in Chrismate intincta, ducit pollice
signum crucis in fronte confirmandi, dicens:
Et confirmatus respondet:
Amen.
Episcopus subdit:
Pax tibi.
Confirmatus:
Et cum spiritu tuo.
45. Si autem presbyteri Episcopum adiuvant ad conferendum Sacramentum, omnia
vascula sancti Chrismatis a diacono vel a ministris Episcopo offeruntur, qui ea præbet
unicuique ex presbyteris ad se accedenti.
Confirmandi accedunt ad Episcopum vel ad presbyteros; aut pro opportunitate
Episcopus et presbyteri accedunt ad confirmandos, qui unguntur modo supra descripto (n.
44).
46. Inter unctionem cani potest aliquis cantus aptus. Post unctionem Episcopus (et
presbyteri) lavat manus.
Oratio universalis
47. Sequitur oratio universalis, hac vel simili forma a competente auctoritate statuta
facienda.

CELEBRATION WITHOUT MASS
(no. 42 = no. 25)
The Anointing with Chrism
43. The sacred Chrism is brought by the Deacon to the Bishop. Each of those to be
confirmed goes to the Bishop; or, if appropriate, the Bishop goes to each of those to be
confirmed. The one who presented the person to be confirmed places his (her) right hand
on his (her) shoulder and says the name of the one to be confirmed to the Bishop; or the
one to be confirmed alone says his (her) own name. 55
(no. 43 = no. 26)
44. The Bishop dips the tip of his right-hand thumb in the Chrism and, with the
thumb, makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he
says: 56
(no. 44 = no. 27)
The newly confirmed replies:
Amen.
The Bishop adds:
RM Peace be with you.
The newly confirmed:
RM And with your spirit.
45. If Priests assist the Bishop in conferring the Sacrament, all the vessels of sacred
Chrism are brought to the Bishop by the Deacon or by the ministers. As each of the
Priests comes to the Bishop, he gives each a vessel of Chrism.
Those to be confirmed go to the Bishop or to the Priests; or, if appropriate, the Bishop
and Priests go to those to be confirmed. The anointing is done as described above (no.
44). 57
46. During the anointing a suitable chant may be sung. After the anointing the Bishop
washes his hands (as do the Priests). 58
The Universal Prayer
47. The Universal Prayer follows in this or a similar form determined by the
competent authority. 59
(no. 47 = no. 30)
26

27 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Recitatio orationis dominicæ
48. Dicitur deinde ab omnibus oratio dominica, quæ ab Episcopo his vel similibus
verbis introduci potest:
Colligamus, dilectissimi, preces nostras,
orantes una simul,
uti Dominus noster Iesus Christus orare nos docuit.
Omnes:
Pater noster, qui es in caelis:
sanctificetur nomen tuum;
adveniat regnum tuum;
fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo, et in terra.
Panem nostrum cotidianum da nobis hodie;
et dimitte nobis debita nostra,
sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris;
et ne nos inducas in tentationem;
sed libera nos a malo.
Benedictio
49. Postea Episcopus omnes benedicit. Loco benedictionis consuetæ, adhibetur
benedictio, quæ sequitur, vel oratio super populum.
Oratio super populum
Loco formulæ benedictionis prædictæ, adhiberi potest oratio super populum.

CELEBRATION WITHOUT MASS
The Recitation of the Lord’s Prayer
48. All then say The Lord's Prayer, which may be introduced by the Bishop in these
or similar words:
Dearly beloved, let us gather together our petitions,
praying with one voice,
as our Lord Jesus Christ taught us to pray.
All:
RM 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. 60
The Blessing
49. After this the Bishop blesses all present. Instead of the usual blessing, the
following blessing or Prayer over the People is used. 61
(no. 49 = no. 33)
The Prayer over the People
Instead of the preceding formula of blessing, the Prayer over the People may be
used. 62
(no. 49 = no. 33)
27

CAPUT III
DE IIS QUÆ SERVANDA SUNT QUOTIES CONFIRMATIO
CONFERTUR A MINISTRO EXTRAORDINARIO
50. Minister extraordinarius, qui, aut ex concessione iuris generalis aut ex peculiari
indulto Sedis Apostolicæ, Confirmationem confert, eundem ritum servat supra
descriptum.
51. Si autem propter multitudinem confirmandorum, aliquos presbyteros ad
sacramentum administrandum sibi sociat, hos eligat, servatis iis quæ supra, n. 8,
statuuntur. Expedit hos presbyteros, si Confirmatio intra Missam conferatur, etiam
Missam cum ipso concelebrare.

CHAPTER III
THOSE THINGS TO BE OBSERVED WHEN CONFIRMATION IS
CONFERRED BY AN EXTRAORDINARY MINISTER
50. An extraordinary minister of Confirmation, who confers Confirmation whether by
concession of the general law or by a special indult of the Apostolic See 63 , observes the
rite described above.
51. If, because of the large number of those to be confirmed 64 , he associates with
himself other Priests to administer the Sacrament, he chooses them in accord with no. 8
above. If Confirmation is conferred within Mass, it is desirable 65 that these Priests also
concelebrate the Mass with him.

CAPUT IV
DE CONFIRMATIONE ÆGROTO IN PERICULO MORTIS
CONSTITUTO MINISTRANDA
52. Cum maxime consentaneum sit, ut cuiusque baptizati initiatio christiana
sacramentis Confirmationis et Eucharistiæ perficiatur, fideli ægrotanti in mortis periculo
constituto, si rationis usum sit adeptus, suadeatur, ut, antequam Viaticum accipiat,
sacramento etiam Confirmationis roboretur, possibili et necessaria præmissa catechesi.
Confirmatio tamen in periculo mortis et Unctio infirmorum, de more, ritu
continuo non sunt conferendæ.
Puero autem qui rationis usum nondum sit adeptus, Confirmatio conferatur iisdem
principiis ac normis servatis, quæ pro conferendo Baptismate sunt statuta.
53. Quoties adiuncta id permittunt integer ritus servetur, prouti supra describitur.
54. Urgente vero necessitate, Confirmationis minister imponit manus super ægrotum,
dicens:
55. Deinde, summitate pollicis dexteræ manus in Chrismate intincta, ducit pollice
signum crucis in fronte confirmandi, dicens:
N., accipe signaculum Doni Spiritus Sancti.
Et confirmatus, si potest, respondet:
Amen.
Alia elementa præparationis et conclusionis addi possunt, singulis in casibus,
attentis omnibus adiunctis.
56. In extrema autem necessitate, sufficit ut peragatur chrismatio cum formula
sacramentali:
N., accipe signaculum Doni Spiritus Sancti.

CHAPTER IV
CONFIRMATION TO BE ADMINISTERED TO A SICK PERSON
IN DANGER OF DEATH
52. It is of the greatest importance that the initiation of every baptized Christian be
completed by the Sacraments of Confirmation and the Eucharist. It is recommended that
the sick person in danger of death, if he (she) has reached the age of reason, should be
strengthened by Confirmation before he (she) receives Viaticum, after the necessary and
possible catechesis.
Nevertheless, Confirmation in danger of death and Anointing of the Sick are
ordinarily not to be conferred in a continuous rite.
In the case of a child who has not yet reached the age of reason, Confirmation is
conferred in accord with the same principles and norms laid down for the conferral of
Baptism.
53. When circumstances permit, the entire rite described above is followed.
54. In case of urgent necessity, the minister of Confirmation lays his hands upon the
sick person, as he says:
(no. 54 = no. 25, except “them” becomes “him [her])
55. Then the minister dips the tip of his right-hand thumb in the Chrism and, with the
thumb, makes the Sign of the Cross on the forehead of the one to be confirmed, as he
says:
N., BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The newly confirmed replies, if able:
Amen.
Other parts of the preparatory and concluding rites may be added in individual
cases, with due consideration for the circumstances.
56. In case of extreme necessity, it is sufficient that the anointing with Chrism be
done with the sacramental form:
N., BE SEALED WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

CAPUT V
TEXTUS IN CONFERENDA CONFIRMATIONE ADHIBENDI
I. MISSA IN CONFERENDA CONFIRMATIONE
57. Hæc Missa dicitur, cum colore rubro vel albo, quando in ipsa Missa aut
immediate ante vel post ipsam Missam confertur Confirmatio.
Adhiberi autem potest omnibus diebus, exceptis dominicis Adventus,
Quadragesimæ et Paschæ, sollemnitatibus, atque feriis IV Cinerum et totius Hebdomadæ
sanctæ.
A
58.
Ant. ad introitum Ez 36, 25-26
Dicit Dominus: Effundam super vos aquam mundam, et dabo vobis cor novum, et
spiritum novum ponam in medio vestri.
Collecta
Præsta, quæsumus, omnipotens et misericors Deus,
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens
templum nos gloriæ suæ
dignanter inhabitando perficiat.
Per Dominum.
Vel:
Promissionem tuam, quæsumus, Domine,
super nos propitiatus adimple,
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens
nos coram mundo testes efficiat
Evangelii Domini nostri Iesu Christi.
Qui tecum vivit.
Aliæ orationes ad libitum, nn. 59, 60.

CHAPTER V
TEXTS TO BE USED IN THE CONFERRAL
OF CONFIRMATION
I. THE MASS FOR THE CONFERRAL OF CONFIRMATION
57. This Mass is used, with the color red or white, or a festive color, at the conferral
of Confirmation on days when Ritual Masses are permitted. The Gloria in excelsis (Glory
to God in the highest) is said. The Creed, however, is omitted. 66
A
58.
Entrance Antiphon Ez 36: 25-26
RM Thus says the Lord:
I will pour clean water upon you
and I will give you a new heart;
a new spirit I will put within you (E.T. alleluia). 67
Collect
RM Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God,
that the Holy Spirit, coming near
and dwelling graciously within us,
may make of us a perfect temple of his glory.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 68
Or:
RM Fulfill for us your gracious promise, O Lord, we pray,
so that by his coming
the Holy Spirit may make us witnesses before the world
to the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 69
Other prayers to be used at choice (nos. 59-60).

31 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Super oblata
Famulorum tuorum, quæsumus, Domine,
suscipe vota clementer, et præsta,
ut, Filio tuo perfectius configurati,
in testimonium eius indesinenter accrescant,
memoriale participiantes redemptionis eius,
qua Spiritum tuum nobis ipse promeruit.
Qui vivit.
Adhiberi potest Praefatio I de Spiritu Sancto, vel II.
Quando adhibetur Canon Romanus, dicitur Hanc igitur proprium:
Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostræ,
sed et cunctæ familiæ tuæ,
quam tibi offerimus pro iis quoque,
quos, Baptismate regeneratos,
confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti,
quæsumus, Domine, ut placatus accipias,
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodias.
(Per Christum Dominum nostrum. Amen.)
Quando adhibetur Prex eucharistica II post verba …universo clero additur:
Recordare quoque, Domine, famulorum tuorum,
quos hodie donatione Spiritus Sancti
confirmare dignatus es, et eos in gratia tua conserva.
Quando adhibetur Prex eucharistica III post verba …populo acquisitionis tuae additur:
Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum tuorum,
quos, Baptismate regeneratos,
confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti,
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodi.
Ant. ad communionem Cf. Hebr 6, 4
Quicumque illuminati estis, qui gustastis donum cæleste,
et participes facti estis Spiritus Sancti,
gaudete omnes in Domino.

CONFIRMATION MASS
Prayer over the Offerings
RM Receive in your mercy, O Lord,
the prayers of your servants
and grant that, being conformed more perfectly to your Son,
they may grow steadily in bearing witness to him,
as they share in the memorial of his redemption,
by which he gained for us your Holy Spirit.
Through Christ our Lord. 70
Preface I of the Holy Spirit or Preface II may be used.
When the Roman Canon is used, the proper form of the Hanc igitur (Therefore, Lord, we
pray) is said:
RM Therefore, Lord, we pray:
graciously accept this oblation of our service,
that of your whole family,
which we offer you
also for those reborn in Baptism,
whom you have been pleased to confirm
by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
and in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
(Through Christ our Lord. Amen.) 71
When Eucharistic Prayer II is used, after the words and all the clergy, the following is
added:
RM Remember also, Lord, your servants
whom you have been pleased to confirm today
by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
and keep them in your grace. 72
When Eucharistic Prayer III is used, after the words the entire people you have gained for
your own, the following is added:
RM Remember also, Lord,
your servants reborn in Baptism
whom you have been pleased to confirm
by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
and in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace. 73
Communion Antiphon Cf. Heb 6: 4
RM Rejoice in the Lord, all you who have been enlightened,
who have tasted the gift from heaven
and have been made sharers in the Holy Spirit (E.T. alleluia). 74
31

32 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Post communionem
Spiritu Sancto, Domine, perunctos
tuique Filii sacramento nutritos
tua in posterum benedictione prosequere,
ut, omnibus adversitatibus superatis,
Ecclesiam tuam sanctitate lætificent,
eiusque in mundo incrementa
suis operibus et caritate promoveant.
Per Christum.
B
59.
Ant. ad introitum Cf. Rom 5, 5; 8, 11
Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris per inhabitantem Spiritum eius in nobis.
Collecta
Spiritum Sanctum tuum, quæsumus, Domine,
super nos dignanter effunde,
ut omnes, in unitate fidei ambulantes
et caritatis eius fortitudine roborati,
ad mensuram ætatis plenitudinis Christi occurramus.
Per Dominum.
Aliæ orationes ad libitum, nn. 58, 60.
Super oblata
Hos famulos tuos, Domine,
una cum Unigenito tuo benignus admitte,
ut, qui eius cruce spiritalique sunt unctione signati,
se tibi cum ipso iugiter offerentes,
largiorem in dies effusionem tui Spiritus mereantur.
Per Christum.
Adhiberi potest Praefatio I de Spiritu Sancto, vel II.
In Precibus eucharisticae: Intercessiones propriae, no. 58.
Ant. ad communionem Ps 33, 6. 9
Accedite ad Dominum et illuminamini:
gustate et videte quoniam suavis est.

CONFIRMATION MASS
Prayer after Communion
RM Accompany with your blessing
from this day forward, O Lord,
those who have been anointed with the Holy Spirit
and nourished by the Sacrament of your Son,
so that, with all trials overcome,
they may gladden your Church by their holiness
and, through their works and their charity,
foster her growth in the world.
Through Christ our Lord. 75
B
59.
Entrance Antiphon Rom 5: 5; cf. 8: 11
RM The love of God has been poured into our hearts
through the Spirit of God dwelling within us (E.T. alleluia). 76
Collect
RM Graciously pour out your Holy Spirit upon us,
we pray, O Lord,
so that, walking in oneness of faith
and strengthened by the power of his love,
we may come to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 77
Other prayers to be used at choice (nos. 58, 60).
Prayer over the Offerings
RM Accept graciously these your servants, O Lord,
together with your Only Begotten Son,
so that, signed with his Cross and with a spiritual anointing,
they may constantly offer themselves to you
in union with him
and merit each day a greater outpouring of your Spirit.
Through Christ our Lord. 78
Preface I of the Holy Spirit or Preface II may be used.
In the Eucharistic Prayers there are proper intercessions, (no. 58).
Communion Antiphon Cf. Ps 33: 6, 9
RM Look towards him and be radiant;
let your faces not be abashed.
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Blessed the man who seeks refuge in him (E.T. alleluia). 79
32

33 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
Post communionem
Quos tui Spiritus, Domine, cumulasti muneribus,
tuique auxisti Unigeniti nutrimento,
fac etiam in plenitudine legis instructos,
ut coram mundo tuæ libertatem adoptionis
iugiter manifestent
et propheticum tui populi munus
sua valeant sanctitate præbere.
Per Christum.
60. II. ALIÆ ORATIONES, PRO OPPORTUNITATE ADHIBENDÆ
Collecta
Mentes nostras, quæsumus, Domine,
Paraclitus qui a te procedit illuminet,
et inducat in omnem, sicut tuus promisit Filius, veritatem.
Qui tecum vivit.
Super oblata
Suscipe, quæsumus, Domine, oblationem familiæ tuæ,
ut, qui donum Spiritus Sancti susceperunt,
et collata custodiant, et ad æterna præmia perveniant.
Per Christum.
Post communionem
Spiritum nobis, Domine, tuæ caritatis infunde,
ut, quos uno pane cælesti satiasti,
una facias pietate concordes.
Per Christum.

CONFIRMATION MASS
Prayer after Communion
RM Instruct, O Lord, in the fullness of the Law
those you have endowed with the gifts of your Spirit
and nourished by the Body of your Only Begotten Son,
that they may constantly show to the world
the freedom of your adopted children
and, by the holiness of their lives,
exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
Through Christ our Lord. 80
60.
Collect
II. OTHER PRAYERS TO BE USED, IF APPROPRIATE
RM May the Paraclete who proceeds from you,
we pray, O Lord,
enlighten our minds and lead us into all truth,
just as your Son has promised.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. 81
Prayer over the Offerings
RM Accept the oblation of your family,
we pray, O Lord,
that those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit
may keep safe what they have received
and come to eternal rewards.
Through Christ our Lord. 82
Prayer after Communion
RM Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love
and, in your kindness,
make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread
one in mind and heart.
Through Christ our Lord. 83
33

34 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
III. LECTIONES BIBLLCÆ
61. LECTIONES E VETERE TESTAMENTO
1. Is 11, 1-4 a: « Requiescet super eum Spiritus Domini ».
In die illa: Egredietur virga de radice Iesse ... 4 usque ad mansuetis terræ.
2. Is 42, 1-3: « Dedi Spiritum meum super servum meum ».
Hæc dicit Dominus: Ecce servus meus ...
3. Is 61, 1-3 a. 6 a. 8 b-9: « Unxit me Dominus et evangelizare pauperibus misit me,
et dare eis oleum gaudii ».
Spiritus Domini super me ... 3 usque ad spiritu mæroris. 6 usque ad dicetur vobis. 8 Dabo
opus eorum ...
4. Ez 36, 24-28: « Spiritum novum ponam in medio vestri ».
Hæc dicit Dominus Deus: Tollam vos de gentibus ...
5. Ioel 2, 23 a. 26-30 a (Hebr 2, 23 a; 3, 1-3 a): « Super servos meos et ancillas
effundam Spiritum meum ».
Filii Sion, exsultate et lætamini in Domino Deo vestro. Comedetis vescentes ... 30 usque
ad et in terra.
62. LECTIONES E NOVO TESTAMENTO
1. Act 1, 3-8: « Accipietis virtutem superveniente Spiritu Sancto in vos, et eritis mihi
testes ».
Apostolis suis præbuit Iesus seipsum vivum post passionem suam ...
2. Act 2, 1-6. 14. 22 b-23. 32-33: « Repleti sunt omnes Spiritu Sancto, et cœperunt
loqui ».
Cum compleretur dies Pentecostes ... 22 Iesum Nazarenum …
3. Act 8, 1. 4. 14-17: « Imposuerunt manus super illos, et appiciebant Spiritum
Sanctum ».
Facta est in illa die persecutio magna ...
4. Act 10, 1. 33-34 a. 37-44: « Cecidit Spiritus Sanctus super omnes qui audiebant
verbum ».
In diebus illis: Vir quidam erat in Cæsarea ... 33 Qui dixit ad Petrum: Misi ad te ... 34
usque ad dixit.
5. Act 19, 1 b-6 a: « Si Spiritum Sanctum accepistis credentes? ».
Factum est ut Paulus veniret Ephesum ... 6 usque ad super nos.
6. Rom 5, 1-2. 5-8: « Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus vestris per Spiritum
Sanctum qui datus est nobis ».
Fratres: Iustificati ex fide, pacem habemus ad Deum ...
7. Rom 8, 14-17: « Spiritus testimonium reddit una cum spiritu nostro quod sumus
filii Dei ».
Fratres: Quicumque Spiritu Dei aguntur, ii filii Dei sunt ...
8. Rom 8, 26-27: « Ipse Spiritus interpellat gemitibus inenarrabilibus».
Fratres: Spiritus adiuvat infirmitatem nostram ...

BIBLICAL READINGS
III. BIBLICAL READINGS
The material in this section is taken from nos. 764-768 of the Ordo lectionum
Missae (editio typica altera).
Since different translations of the Ordo lectionum Missae (Lectionary for
Mass) are used in various English-speaking Conferences of Bishops, only the biblical
references are provided in this section for those texts taken from Scripture.
The version of the Headings, Incipits, Psalm Responses, and Alleluia Verses
and Verses before the Gospel approved for use by the Conferences of Bishops are to
be inserted in this section.
61. READINGS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
1. Isaiah 11: 1-4a
2. Isaiah 42: 1-3
3. Isaiah 61: l-3a, 6a, 8b-9
4. Ezekiel 36: 24-28
5. Joel 2: 23a, 26-30a (Hebrew 2: 23a; 3: 1-3a)
62. READINGS FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT
1. Acts 1: 3-8
2. Acts 2: 1-6, 14, 22b-23, 32-33
3. Acts 8: 1, 4, 14-17
4. Acts 10: 1, 33-34a, 37-44
5. Acts 19: 1b-6a
6. Romans 5: 1-2, 5-8
7. Romans 8: 14-17
8. Romans 8: 26-27
34

35 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
9. 1 Cor 12, 4-13: « Unus et idem Spiritus, dividens singulis prout vult ».
Fratres: Divisiones gratiarum sunt, idem autem Spiritus ...
10. Gal 5, 16-17. 22-23 a. 24-25: « Si vivimus Spiritu, Spiritu et ambulemus ».
Fratres: Spiritu ambulate ... 23 usque ad castitas.
11. Eph 1, 3 a. 4 a. 13-19 a: « Signati estis Spiritu promissionis Sancto ».
Fratres: Benedictus Deus et Pater Domini nostri Iesu Christi: 4 elegit nos in ipso ante
mundi constitutionem. 13 In quo et vos ... 19 usque ad in nos qui credimus.
12. Eph 4, 1-6: « Unum corpus et unus Spiritus, unum baptisma ».
Fratres: Obsecro vos ego, vinctus in Domino ...
63. PSALMI RESPONSORII
1. Ps 21, 23-24. 26-27. 28 et 31-32
R. (23): Narrabo nomen tuum fratribus meis.
vel (Io 15, 26-27): Cum venerit Paraclitus, vos testimonium perhibebitis de me.
2. Ps 22, 1-3 a. 3 b-4. 5-6
R. (l): Dominus pascit me, et nihil mihi deerit.
3. Ps 95, 1-2 a. 2 b-3. 9-10 a. 11-12
R. (3): Annuntiate in omnibus populis mirabilia Dei.
4. Ps 103, 1 ab et 24. 27-28. 30-31. 33-34
R. (30): Emittes Spiritum tuum, Domine, et renovabis faciem terræ.
5. Ps 116, 1. 2
R. (Act 1, 8): Eritis mihi testes usque ad ultimum terræ.
vel Alleluia.
6. Ps 144, 2-3. 4-5. 8-9. 10-11. 15-16. 21
R. (l b): Benedicam nomini tuo, Domine, in sæculum.
64. ALLELUIA ET VERSUS ANTE EVANGELIUM
1. Io 14, 16: Pater alium Paraclitum dabit vobis, dicit Dominus,
ut maneat vobiscum in æternum.
2. Io 15, 26 b. 27 a: Spiritus veritatis testimonium perhibebit de me, dicit Dominus,
et vos testimonium perhibebitis.
3. Io 16, 13 a; 14, 26 b: Cum venerit Spiritus veritatis, ducet vos in omni veritate;
et suggeret vobis omnia quæ dixi vobis.
4. Ap 1, 5 a. 6: Iesu Christe, testis es fidelis, primogenitus mortuorum,
fecisti nos regnum et sacerdotes Deo et Patri nostro.
5. Veni, Sancte Spiritus, reple tuorum corda fidelium,
et tui amoris in eis ignem accende.

BIBLICAL READINGS
9. 1 Corinthians 12: 4-13
10. Galatians 5: 16-17, 22-23a, 24-25
11. Ephesians 1: 3a, 4a, 13-19a
12. Ephesians 4: 1-6
63. RESPONSORIAL PSALMS
1. Psalm 21: 23-24, 26-27, 28 and 31-32
R. (23):
or: (John 15: 26-27):
2. Psalm 22: 1-3a, 3b-4, 5-6
R. (1):
3. Psalm 95: 1-2a, 2b-3, 9-10a, 11-12
R. (3):
4. Psalm 103: 1ab and 24, 27-28, 30-31, 33-34
R. (30):
5. Psalm 116: 1, 2
R. (Acts 1: 8):
or: Alleluia.
6. Psalm 144: 2-3, 4-5, 8-9, 10-11, 15-16, 21
R. (1b):
64. ALLELUIA VERSES AND VERSES BEFORE THE GOSPEL
1. John 14: 16
2. John 15: 26b, 27a
3. John 16: 13a: 14: 26b
4. Revelation 1: 5a, 6
5. Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,
and kindle in them the fire of your love.
35

36 THE ORDER OF CONFIRMATION
6. Veni, Sancte Spiritus,
et emitte cælitus lucis tuæ radium.
65. EVANGELIA
1. Mt 5, 1-12 a: « Ipsorum est regnum cælorum ».
In illo tempore: Videns Iesus turbas... 12 usque ad copiosa est in cælis.
2. Mt 16, 24-27: « Si quis vult post me venire, abneget semetipsum ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis ...
3. Mt 25, 14-30: « Super pauca fuisti fidelis: intra in gaudium domini tui ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis parabolam hanc: Homo peregre proficiscens ...
4. Mc 1, 9-11: « Vidit Spiritum descendentem in ipsum ».
In diebus illis, venit Iesus a Nazareth Galilææ ...
5. Lc 4, 16-22 a: « Spiritus Domini super me ».
In illo tempore: Venit Iesus Nazareth ... 22 usque ad de ore ipsius.
6. Lc 8, 4-10 a. 11 b-15: « Qui in bonam terram, hi sunt qui verbum retinent et
fructum afferunt in patientia ».
In illo tempore: Cum turba plurima conveniret et de singulis civitatibus properarent ad
Iesum, dixit ... 10 Quibus ipse dixit: 11 Semen est verbum Dei ...
7. Lc 10, 21-24: « Confiteor tibi, Pater, quod revelasti ea parvulis ».
In illo tempore: Exsultavit Iesus Spiritu Sancto ...
8. Io 7, 37 b-39: « Flumina fluent aquæ vivæ ».
In illo tempore: Clamavit Iesus dicens: Si quis sitit ...
9. Io 14, 15-17: « Spiritus veritatis apud vos manebit ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis: Si diligitis me ...
10. Io 14, 23-26: « Spiritus Sanctus vos docebit omnia ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis: Si quis diligit me …
11. Io 15, 18-21. 26-27: « Spiritus veritatis, qui a Patre procedit, testimonium
perhibebit de me ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis: Si mundus vos odit ...
12, Io 16, 5 b-7. 12-13 a (Gr 5-7. 12-13 a): « Spiritus veritatis ducet vos in omni
veritati ».
In illo tempore: Dixit Iesus discipulis suis: Nunc vado ad eum qui me misit ... 13 usque
ad omnem veritatem.

BIBLICAL READINGS
6. Holy Spirit, Lord of Light,
from the clear celestial height,
thy pure beaming radiance give.
65. GOSPEL READINGS
1. Matthew 5: 1-12a
2. Matthew 16: 24-27
3. Matthew 25: 14-30
4. Mark 1: 9-11
5. Luke 4: 16-22a
6. Luke 8: 4-10a, 11b-15
7. Luke 10: 21-24
8. John 7: 37b-39
9. John 14: 15-17
10. John 14: 23-26
11. John 15: 18-21, 26-27
12. John 16: 5b-7, 12-13a (Greek 5-7, 12-13a)
36

INDEX
Decretum Sacræ Congregationis pro Cultu Divino
Constitutio Apostolica de Sacramento Confirmationis
Prænotanda
CAPUT I - Ordo ad Confirmationem intra Missam conferendam
CAPUT II - Ordo ad Confirmationem sine Missa conferendam
CAPUT III - De iis quæ servanda sunt quoties Confirmatio confertur a ministro
extraordinario
CAPUT IV - De Confirmatione ægroto in periculo mortis constituto ministranda
CAPUT V - Textus in conferenda Confirmatione adhibendi

INDEX
Decree of the Sacred Congregation for Divine Worship.....................................................0
Apostolic Constitution on the Sacrament of Confirmation..................................................0
Introduction .........................................................................................................................0
Chapter I --The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation 84 within Mass .........................00
Chapter II--The Order for the Conferral of Confirmation without Mass ..........................00
Chapter III--Those Things to Be Observed When Confirmation Is Conferred by an
Extraordinary Minister ......................................................................................................00
Chapter IV--Confirmation to Be Administered for a Sick Person in Danger of Death ....00
Chapter V--Texts to Be Used in the Conferral of Confirmation ......................................00

NOTES
General Notes on the Introductory Material
The translation of the Title Page and Decrees conform to that of The Roman Missal
wherever the Latin text is the same. Throughout, the proposed translation distinguishes between
the terms ordo (translated as “order” [cf. Order of Mass and Order of Christian Funerals]) and
ritus (translated as “rite”).
In the Introduction, excerpts from and allusions to ecclesiastical documents (e.g., Conciliar
documents, Code of Canon Law [1983], and Papal and Curial documents) follow, as closely as
possible, the translation found on the Vatican website. Changes in the Praenotanda were
introduced into the Latin text as a result of the issuance of the 1983 Code of Canon Law (cf.
Notitiae, Vol. XIX, 1983, pp. 547-549). These changes are reflected in the translation of the
English text of nos. 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 18. Capitalization adheres to the principles of the Ratio
Translationis for the English language. Finally, Latin terms and phrases in Ordo Confirmationis
that are also found in the Missale Romanum employ the translation in The Roman Missal (2010)
wherever possible.
Abbreviations
The following abbreviations are used in the endnotes:
GIRM General Instruction of the Roman Missal
NJB New Jerusalem Bible
no. number
nos. numbers
NRSV New Revised Standard Version
OC Order of Confirmation
OM The Order of Mass in The Roman Missal (2010)
RM The Roman Missal (2010)
RNAB Revised New American Bible
RSV Revised Standard Version
The Roman Missal references in parentheses, e.g., (R2530pc) are the number assigned to
the text in the concordance of the Missale Romanum (2002).
Endnotes
The endnotes provide information regarding the repetition of phrases and texts within the
OC, references to phrases and texts in RM, and indications of the scriptural allusions used within
those ritual texts not also contained in RM.
1 Title in RM, Ritual Masses reads, "For the Conferral of Confirmation."
2 Cf. GIRM, no. 43, ad normam iuris: “in accordance with the law.”
3 Cf. OC, no. 8.
4 etiam.

NOTES
5 Cf. RM, Thursday of the Lord's Supper, no. 9.
6 As translated in GIRM, no. 303; cf. also GIRM, nos. 310 and 361.
7 Cf. Acts 2:32, 33, and 38 (RNAB: “God raised this Jesus; of this we are all witnesses. Exalted at the right
hand of God, he received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father and poured it forth as you both see
and hear…Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of
your sins: and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”).
8 Cf. Acts 19:6: (RSV: “And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and
they spoke with tongues and prophesied”; RNAB and NRSV read the same except for “upon” instead of
“on”: “the Holy Spirit came upon them.”)
9 Cf. Romans 5:5: (RSV God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been
given to us”; NRSV and RNAB read, “that has been given to us”).
10 Cf. Ephesians 4:3-8 and 11-13. Cf. also 1 Corinthians 12:4-12.
11 Cf. Romans 8:26-27. (RNAB “In the same way the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we
do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the
one who searches hearts knows what is the intention of the Spirit, because it intercedes for the holy ones
according to God’s will.”)
12
Cf. 2 Corinthians 1:22 (RSV “he [God] has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a
guarantee”).
13 Cf. Romans 8:29. (RNAB “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of
his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”)
14 Cf. Ephesians 1:22-23. (RNAB “and he put all things beneath his feet and gave him as head over all
things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.”) Cf. also
Ephesians 5:29-30 (RNAB “for no one hates his own flesh but rather nourishes it and cherishes it, even as
Christ does the church, because we are members of his body.”) and Colossians 1:19 and 24 (RNAB “For in
him all the fullness was pleased to dwell…I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my
flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.”)
15 Cf. Luke 4: 1,18
16 Cf. 2 Corinthians 2: 14-15. (NRSV “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal
procession and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him. For we are
the aroma of Christ to God…”)
17 Cf. Ephesians 4:11-13. (RNAB “And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists,
others as pastors and teachers, to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of
Christ, until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the son of God…”)
18 Cf. Matthew 20:28 (RNAB “Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give
his life as a ransom for many.”); and Mark 10:45. (RNAB “For the Son of Man did not come to be served
but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”)
19 In the Renewal of Baptismal Promises RM (P6321s) translates the phrase Et omnibus pompis eius as
“And all his empty show,” but the phrase in OC, reads, et seductionibus eius. RM translates the phrase
seductionibus iniquitatis as “the lure of evil.”
20 Cf., e.g., no. 5, OM in which “reply” is used to translate respondent.
21 Cf. GIRM, no. 303: cf. also GIRM, nos. 310 and 361.
22 For translation of licet, as “it is permitted” cf. GIRM, no. 149.
23 For translation of habens apud se as “remain by his side” cf. the Rite of Ordination of a Bishop, no. 47,
which reads, “[and the ordaining Bishops…] remain by his side.”
39

NOTES
24 Cf. RM (R2402bs), Solemn Blessing for the Ritual Mass I., 4. For the Conferral of Confirmation, and
OC, no. 33, which translates filios adoptionis suae as “his adopted sons and daughters.”
25 Cf. RM (M1367pe) nos… imagini Filii tui conformes fieri concede, which is translated, “grant that we
may be conformed to the image of your Son.” Cf. also Christo meruit conformari RM (D3145co), which is
translated, “was found worthy to be conformed to Christ.” Cf. also Romans 8:29 (RSV: “For those whom
he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he may be the firstborn
among many brethren”; RNAB, the same, except “brothers” instead of “brethren.”).
26 Cf. OM, nos. 9 and 139.
27 Cf. Romans 15:6 (RNAB “that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ”); cf. also 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:3.
28 regenerasti ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto: this same phrase is used in RM (R2385pe) and reads, “you have
brought to new birth by water and the Holy Spirit.”
29 Cf. second edition of Catechism of the Catholic Church, no 1831, which reads, “The seven gifts of the
Holy Spirit are wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord.”
30 Cf. OM, no. 2.
31 Cf. OM, no. 2.
32 Cf. Ephesians 3:16-17 (RNAB: “that he may grant you…to be strengthened with power through his
Spirit …and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may
have strength…”).
33 Cf. RM (V2741co), Mass 14, For Vocations to Religious Life, which translates ad Filii tui vestigia
pressius sequenda as “to follow more closely in the footsteps of your Son.”
34
Cf. RM (P893co), Wednesday after the Seventh Sunday of Easter, which translates congregata Spiritu
Sancto as “gathered by the Holy Spirit.”
35 The last three lines of the Latin text are the same as RM (Y3014co), Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit C,
which are translated, “so that your divine grace, which was at work when the Gospel was first proclaimed,
may now spread through the hearts of those who believe in you.”
36 Cf. GIRM, no. 73.
37 Same rubric as RM, Ritual Mass I., 4, For the Conferral of Confirmation.
38 The rubric has been rewritten to account for the additional texts provided in RM, Ritual Mass I., 4. For
the Conferral of Confirmation, for Eucharistic Prayers II and III.
39 This follows the wording for the rubric in the OM, with the exception of “the minister of Confirmation.”
40 This rubric is taken from RM, though no rubric appears in OC.
41 Same as RM (R2402bs).
42 This rubric and text have been changed to reflect the change in the Latin text of RM.
43 This follows the wording for the rubric in the OM, with the exception of “the minister of Confirmation.”
44 Same as RM (R2403sp).
45 For translation of congregatis cf. OM, no. 1.
46 Cf. GIRM, no. 62.
47 Cf. OM, no. 1.
48 For translation of coetum congregatum cf. GIRM, no. 110.
49 Same as RM (P888co), except for conclusion.
40

NOTES
50 Cf. OC, no. 21 in Latin and in English.
51 Cf. OC, no. 22.
52 Cf. OC, no. 23.
53 Cf. OC, no. 24.
54 Cf. OC, no. 25.
55 Cf. OC, no. 26.
56 Cf. OC, no. 27.
57 Cf. OC, no. 28.
58 Cf. OC, no. 29.
59 Cf. OC, no. 30.
60 Same text as OM, no. 124.
61 Cf. OC, no. 33.
62 Cf. OC, no. 33.
63 Cf. OC, no. 18.
64 Cf. OC, no. 8.
65 For translation of expedit cf. GIRM, no. 311.
66 Cf. RM, Introduction to Ritual Mass I., 4, For the Conferral of Confirmation.
67 Same as RM (R2393ai).
68 Same as RM (P888co).
69 Same as RM (R2395co).
70 Same as RM (R2396so).
71 Same as RM (R2397pe).
72 Same as RM (R2398pe).
73 Same as RM (R2399pe).
74 Same as RM (R2400am).
75 Same as RM (R2401pc).
76 Same as RM (R2404ai).
77 Same as RM (R2405co).
78 Same as RM (R2406so).
79 Same as RM (R2407am).
80 Same as RM (R2408pc).
81 Same as RM (R2409co).
82 Same as RM (R2410so).
83 Same as RM (O937pc).
84 Title in RM, Ritual Masses reads, “For the Conferral of Confirmation.”
41

Confirmation Concordance: Latin and English
The following list of Latin words arranged in alphabetical order provides a concordance of those key
terms from the Missale Romanum (2002, 2008) used in the nineteen texts that appear in Ritual Masses:
4. For the Conferral of Confirmation. Each entry provides the Latin word and its corresponding English
translation within the context of the syntactical unit in which it appears. Many of these same words
appear in the non Missal texts in Ordo Confirmationis (Order of Confirmation).
accedite
Accedite ad Dominum et illuminamini: R2407am
Look towards him and be radiant;
accendit
Benedicat vos Spiritus Sanctus, qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit, R2402bs
May the Holy Spirit, who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
accrescant
ut, Filio tuo perfectius configurati, in testimonium eius indesinenter accrescant, R2396so
that, being conformed more perfectly to your Son, they may grow steadily in bearing witness to
him,
adimple
Promissionem tuam, quaesumus, Domine, super nos propitiatus adimple, R2395co
Fulfill for us your gracious promise, O Lord, we pray,
admitte
Hos famulos tuos, Domine, una cum Unigenito tuo benignus admitte, R2406so
Accept graciously these your servants, O Loerd,
adoptionis
qui vos, ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto renatos, filios suae adoptionis effecit, R2402bs
whom he has made his adopted sons and daughters, reborn from water and the Holy Spirit,
ut coram mundo tuae libertatem adoptionis iugiter manifestent, R2408pc
that they may constantly show to the world the freedom of your adopted children
adveniens
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens templum nos gloriae suae dignanter inhabitando perficiat.
R2394co
that the Holy Spirit, coming near and dwelling graciously within us, may make of us a perfect
temple of his glory.
1

ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens nos coram mundo testes efficiat. R2395co
so that by his coming the holy Spirit may make us witnesses before the world
adversitatibus
ut, omnibus adversitatibus superatis, Ecclesiam tuam sanctitate laetificent, R2401pc
so that, with all trials overcome, they may gladden your Church by their holiness
aetatis
ut … ad mensuram aetatis plenitudinis Christi occurramus. R2405co
so that…we may come to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
ambulantes
ut omnes, in unitate fidei ambulantes, et caritatis eius fortitudine roborati, R2405co
so that, walking in oneness of faith and strengthened by the power of his love,
auxisti
Quos tui Spiritus, Domine, cumulasti muneribus, tuique auxisti Unigeniti nutrimento, R2408pc
those you have endowed with the gifts of your Spirit and nourished by the Body of your Only
Begotten Son,
N.B. “nourished” translates two words here, auxisti and nutrimento.
benedictione
Spiritu Sancto, Domine, perunctos tuique Filii sacramento nutritos tua in
posterum benedictione prosequere, R2401pc
Accompany with your blessing from this day forward those who have been anointed with the
Holy Spirit and nourished by the Sacrament of your Son,
benignus
Hos famulos tuos, Domine, una cum Unigenito tuo benignus admitte, R2406so
Accept graciously these your servants, O Lord, together with your Only Begotten Son,
caritas
Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus R2404ai
The love of God has been poured into our hearts
caritate
eiusque in mundo incrementa suis operibus et caritate promoveant. R2401pc
and, through their works and their charity, foster her growth in the world.
et mandata eius devota caritate perficiant. R2403sp
and by devoted charity may they ever fulfill his commands.
2

caritatis
qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit, R2402bs
who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
ut…,in unitate fidei ambulantes, et caritatis eius fortitudine roborati, R2405co
so that, walking in oneness of faith and strengthened by the power of his love,
Spiritum nobis, Domine, tuae caritatis infunde, R2411pc
Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love
clementer
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus, Domine, suscipe vota clementer, R2396so
Receive in your mercy, O Lord, the prayers of your servants
collata
ut, qui donum Spiritus Sancti susceperunt, et collata custodiant, R2410so
that those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit may keep safe what they have received
concordes
ut, quos uno pane caelesti satiasti, una facias pietate concordes. R2411pc
and, in your kindness, make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind
and heart.
confessione
et vos in confessione verae fidei sua virtute confirmet. R2402bs
and confirm you by his power in the confession of the true faith.
configurati
ut, Filio tuo perfectius configurati, R2396so
that, being conformed more perfectly to your Son,
confirma
Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis, R2403sp
Confirm, O God, what you have brought about in us,
confirmare
quos, Baptismate regeneratos, confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2397pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
quos hodie donatione Spiritus Sancti confirmare dignatus es, R2398pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm today by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
3

quos … confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2399pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit
confirmet
et vos in confessione verae fidei sua virtute confirmet. R2402bs
and confirm you by his power in the confession of the true faith.
confiteri
ut et Christum crucifixum coram mundo confiteri non erubescant, R2403sp
may they never be ashamed to confess Christ crucified before the world
congregatos
et vos, in unum congregatos, ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat. R2402bs
and lead you blameless and gathered as one into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
conserva
et eos in gratia tua conserva. R2398pe
and keep them in your grace.
cordibus
qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit, R2402bs
who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
et Spiritus Sancti dona in cordibus tuorum custodi fidelium, R2403sp
and preserve in the hearts of your faithful the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris R2404ai
The love of God has been poured into our hearts
cruce
ut, qui eius cruce spiritalique sunt unctione signati, R2406so
so that, signed with his Cross and with a spiritual anointing,
crucifixum
ut et Christum crucifixum coram mundo confiteri non erubescant, R2403sp
may they never be ashamed to confess Christ crucified before the world
cumulasti
Quos tui Spiritus … cumulasti muneribus, R2408pc
those you have endowed with the gifts of the Holy Spirit
4

custodi
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodi. R2399pe
and, in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
et Spiritus Sancti dona in cordibus tuorum custodi fidelium, R2403sp
and preserve iin the hearts of your faithful the gifts of the Holy Spirit:
custodiant
ut, qui donum Spiritus Sancti susceperunt, et collata custodiant, R2410so
that those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit may keep safe what they have received
custodiat
et dignos sua paterna dilectione custodiat. R2402bs
and may he keep you wortrhy of his fatherly love.
devota
et mandata eius devota caritate perficiant. R2403sp
and by devoted charity may they ever fulfill his commands.
dies
largiorem in dies effusionem tui Spiritus mereantur. R2406so
and merit each day a greater outpouring of your Spirit.
diffusa
Caritas Dei diffusa est in cordibus nostris R2404ai
The love of God has been poured into our hearts
dignanter
Spiritum Sanctum tuum, quaesumus, Domine, super nos dignanter effunde, R2405co
Graciously pour out your Spirit upon us, O Lord,
N.B. quaesumus is not translated in this prayer
dignatus
quos … confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2397pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
quos hodie donatione Spiritus Sancti confirmare dignatus es,. R2398pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm today by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
quos …confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2399pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
5

dignos
et dignos sua paterna dilectione custodiat. R2402bs
and may he keep you worthy of his fatherly love.
dilectione
et dignos sua paterna dilectione custodiat. R2402bs
and may he keep you worthy of his fatherly love.
discipulorum
qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit, R2402bs
who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
dona
et Spiritus Sancti dona in cordibus tuorum custodi fidelium, R2403sp
and preserve in the hearts of your faithful the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
donatione
quos … confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, quaesumus, Domine, R2397pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
quos hodie donatione Spiritus Sancti confirmare dignatus es, R2398pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm today by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
quos … confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2399pe
whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy Spirit,
donum
qui gustavistis donum caeleste, R2400am
who have tasted the gift from heaven
qui donum Spiritus Sancti susceperunt, R2410so
those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit,
efficiat
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens nos coram mundo testes efficiat Evangelii Domini nostri Iesu
Christi R2395co
so that by his coming the Holy Spirit may make us witnesses before the world to the Gospel of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
6

effunde
Spiritum Sanctum tuum, quaesumus, Domine, super nos dignanter effunde, R2405co
Graciously pour out your Holy Spirit upon us, we pray, O Lord,
effusionem
largiorem in dies effusionem tui Spiritus mereantur. R2406so
and merit each day a greater outpouring of your Spirit.
erubescant
ut et Christum crucifixum coram mundo confiteri non erubescant, R2403sp
may they never be ashamed to confess Christ crucified before the world
facias
ut, quos uno pane caelesti satiasti, una facias pietate concordes. R2411pc
and, in your kindness, make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind
and heart.
familiae
sed et cunctae familiae tuae, R2397pe
that of your whole family,
Suscipe, quaesumus, Domine, oblationem familiae tuae, R2410so
Acceopt the oblation of your family, we pray, O Lord,
famulorum
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus, Domine, suscipe vota clementer, R2396so
Receive in your mercy, O Lord, the prayers of your servants
Recordare quoque, Domine, famulorum tuorum, R2398pe
Remember also, Lord, your servants
Memento etiam, Domine, famulorum tuorum, R2399pe
Remember also, Lord, your servants
famulos
Hos famulos tuos, Domine, una cum Unigenito tuo benignus admitte, R2406so
Accept graciously these your servants, O Lord, together with your Only Begotten Son,
fidei
et vos in confessione verae fidei sua virtute confirmet. R2402bs
and confirm you by his power in the confession of the true faith.
7

in unitate fidei ambulantes, R2405co
walking in oneness of faith,
fidelium
et Spiritus Sancti dona in cordibus tuorum custodi fidelium, R2403sp
and preserve in the hearts of your faithful the gifts of the Holy Spirit;
filios
qui vos,…, filios suae adoptionis efficit, R2402bs
whom he has made his adopted sons and daughters,
gaudium
et vos, in unum congregatos, ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat. R2402bs
ans lead you blameless and gathered as one into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
gratia
et eos in gratia tua conserva. R2398pe
and keep them in your grace.
gratiam
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodias. R2397pe
and, in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodi. R2399pe
and, in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
gustate
gustate et videte quoniam suavis est. R2407am
Taste and see that the Lord is good,
gustavistis
qui gustavistis donum caeleste, R2400am
who have tasted the gift of heaven
ignem
qui ignem caritatis in cordibus discipulorum accendit, R2402bs
who kindles the fire of charity in the hearts of disciples,
illuminamini
Accedite ad Dominum et illuminamini: R2407am
Look towards him and be radiant;
8

illuminati
Quicumque illuminati estis, R2400am
all you who have been enlightened,
illuminet
Mentes nostras, quaesumus, Domine, Paraclitus qui a te procedit illuminet, R2409co
May the Paraclete who proceeds from you, we pray, O Lord, enlighten our minds
incrementa
ut…eiusque in mundo incrementa suis operibus et caritate promoveant. R2401pc
so that … ,through their works and their charity, foster her growth in the world.
inducat
et inducat in omnem … veritatem, R2409co
and lead us into all truth,
infunde
Spiritum nobis, Domine, tuae caritatis infunde, R2411pc
Pour on us, O Lord, the Spirit of your love
inhabitando
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens templum nos gloriae suae dignanter inhabitando perficiat.
R2394co
that the Holy Spirit, coming near and dwelling graciously within us, may make of us a perfect
temple of his glory.
inhabitantem
per inhabitantem Spiritum eius in nobis. R2404ai
through the Spirit of God dwelling within us.
instructos
fac etiam in plenitudine legis instructos, R2408pc
Instruct, O Lord, in the fullness of the Law
N.B.: “instruct” translates fac…instructos.
iugiter
se tibi cum ipso iugiter offerentes, R2406so
they may constantly offer themselves to you
ut coram mundo tuae libertatem adoptionis iugiter manifestent, R2408pc
that they may constantly show to the world the freedom of your adopted children
9

laetificent
ut …Ecclesiam tuam sanctitate laetificent, R2401pc
so that, …, they may gladden your Church by their holiness
largiorem
ut ... largiorem in dies effusionem tui Spiritus mereantur. R2406so
and merit each day a greater outpouring of your Spirit.
legis
fac etiam in plenitudine legis instructos, R2408pc
Instruct, O Lord, in the fullness of the Law
libertatem
ut coram mundo tuae libertatem adoptionis iugiter manifestent, R2408pc
that they may constantly show to the world the freedom of your adopted children
mandata
et mandata eius devota caritate perficiant. R2403sp
and by devoted charity may they ever fulfill his commands.
manifestent
ut coram mundo tuae libertatem adoptionis iugiter manifestent, R2408pc
that they may constantly show to the world the freedom of your adopted children
mansurum
qui Spiritum veritatis in Ecclesiam mansurum esse promisit, R2402bs
who promised that the Spirit of truth would abide in the Church,
memoriale
memoriale participantes redemptionis eius, R2396so
as they share in the memorial of his redemption,
mensuram
ut … ad mensuram aetatis plenitudinis Christi occurramus. R2405co
so that … we may come to the measure of the sull stature of Christ.
mentes
Mentes nostras, quaesumus, Domine, Paraclitus qui a te procedit illuminet, R2409co
May the Paraclete who proceeds from you, we pray, O Lord, enlighten our minds
10

meraentur
ut … largiorem in dies effusionem tui Spiritus mereantur. R2406so
and merit each day a greater outpouring of your Spirit.
muneribus
Quos tui Spiritus … cumulasti muneribus, R2408pc
those you have endowed with the gifts of your Spirit
munus
et propheticum tui populi munus sua valeant sanctitate praebere. R2408pc
and, by the holiness of their lives, exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
nutrimento
tuique auxisti Unigeniti nutrimento, R2408pc
and nourished by the Body of your Only Begotten Son
N.B. “nourished translates auxisti…nutrimento.
nutritos
Spiritu Sancto, Domine, perunctos tuique Filii sacramento nutritos tua in posterum benedictione
prosequere, R2401pc
Accompany with your blessing from this day forward those who have been anointed with the
Holy Spirit and nourished by the Sacrament of your son,
oblationem
Hanc igitur oblationem servitutis nostrae, …quaesumus, Domine, ut placatus accipias, R2397pe
Therefore, Lord, we pray, graciously accept this oblation of our service,
Suscipe, quaesumus, Domine, oblationem familiae tuae, R2410so
Accept the oblation of your family, we pray, O Lord,
occuramus
ut … ad mensuram aetatis plenitudinis Christi occurramus. R2405co
so that … we may come to the measure of the full stature of Christ,
offensione
et vos, in unum congregatos, ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat. R2402bs
and lead you blameless and gathered as one into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
offerentes
se tibi cum ipso iugiter offerentes, lR2406so
they may constantly offer themselves to you in union with him
11

operatus
Confirma hoc, Deus, quod operatus es in nobis, R2403sp
Confirm, O God, what you have brought about in us.
operibus
eiusque in mundo incrementa suis operibus et caritate promoveant. R2401pc
and, through their works and their charity, foster her growth in the world.
pane
quos uno pane caelesti satiasti, R2411pc
those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread
paraclitus
Mentes nostras, quaesumus, Domine, Paraclitus qui a te procedit illuminet, R2409co
May the Paraclete who proceeds from you, we pray, O Lord, enlighten our minds
participes
et participes facti estis Spiritus Sancti, R2400am
and have been made sharers in the Holy Spirit
paterna
et dignos sua paterna dilectione custodiat. R2402bs
and may he keep you worthy of his fatherly love.
perducat
et vos, in unum congregatos, ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat. R2402bs
and lead you blameless and gathered as one into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
perfectius
et praesta, ut, Filio tuo perfectius configurati, R2396so
and grant that, being conformed more perfectly to your Son,
perficiant
et mandata eius devota caritate perficiant. R2403sp
and by devoted charity may they fulfill his commands.
12

perficiat
ut Spiritus Sanctus adveniens templum nos gloriae suae dignanter inhabitando perficiat.
R2394co
that the Holy Spirit, coming near and dwelling graciously within us, may make us a perfect
temple of his glory.
perunctos
Spiritu Sancto, Domine, perunctos tuique Filii sacramento nutritos tua in posterum benedictione
prosequere, R2401pc
Accompany with your blessing from this day forward, O Lord, those who have been anointed
with the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Sacrament of Your Son,
perveniant
et ad aeterna praemia perveniant. R2410so
and come to eternal rewards.
pietate
ut, quos uno pane caelesti satiasti, una facias pietate concordes. R2411pc
and, in your kindness, make those you have nourished by the one heavenly Bread one in mind
and heart.
plenitudine
fac etiam in plenitudine legis instructos, R2408pc
Instruct, O Lord, in the fullness of the Law
plenitudinis
ut … ad mensuram aetatis plenitudinis Christi occurramus. R2405co
so that …we may come to the measure of the full stature of Christ.
posterum
tua in posterum benedictione prosequere, R2401pc
Accompany with your blessing from this day forward,
praebere
et propheticum tui populi munus sua valeant sanctitate praebere. R2408pc
and, by the holiness of their lives, exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
praemia
et ad aeterna praemia perveniant. R2410so
and come to eternal rewards.
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procedit
Paraclitus qui a te procedit R2409co
May the Paraclete who proceeds from you,
promeruit
qua Spiritum tuum nobis ipse promeruit. R2396so
by which he gained for us your Holy Spirit.
promisit
qui Spiritum veritatis in Ecclesiam mansurum esse promisit, R2402bs
who promised that the Spirit of truth would abide in his Church,
sicut tuus promisit Filius, R2409co
just as your Son has promised.
promissionem
Promissionem tuam, quaesumus, Domine, super nos propitiatus adimple, R2395co
Fulfill for us your gracious promise, O Lord, we pray,
promoveant
eiusque in mundo incrementa suis operibus et caritate promoveant. R2401pc
and, through their works and their charity, foster her growth in the world.
propheticum
et propheticum tui populi munus sua valeant sanctitate praebere. R2408pc
and, by the holiness of their lives, exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
propitiatus
Promissionem tuam, quaesumus, Domine, super nos propitiatus adimple, R2395co
Fulfill for us your gracious promise, O Lord, we pray,
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodias. R2397pe
and in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
et propitiatus in eis tuam gratiam custodi. R2399pe
and in your mercy, keep safe in them your grace.
prosequere
tua in posterum benedictione prosequere, R2401pc
Accompany with your blessing from this day forward
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egeneratos
quos, Baptismate regeneratos, confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus Sancti, R2397pe
also for those reborn in Baptism, whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the
Holy Spirit,
famulorum tuorum, quos, Baptismate regeneratos, confirmare dignatus es donatione Spiritus
Sancti, R2399pe
your servants reborn in Baptism whom you have been pleased to confirm by bestowing the Holy
Spirit,
regni
et vos, in unum congregatos, ad gaudium regni Dei sine offensione perducat. R2402bs
and lead you blameless and gathered as one into the joy of the Kingdom of God.
renatos
qui vos,ex aqua et Spiritu Sancto renatos, filios suae adoptionis effecit, R2402bs
whom he made his adopted sons and daughters reborn from water and the Holy Spirit,
roborati
et caritatis eius fortitudine roborati, R2405co
and strengthened by the power of his love.
sacramento
Spiritu Sancto … perunctos tuique Filii sacramento nutritos R2401pc
those who have been anointed with the Holy Spirit and nourished by the Sacrament of your Son,
sanctitate
ut … Ecclesiam tuam sanctitate laetificent, R2401pc
so that … they may gladden your Church by their holiness
et propheticum tui populi munus sua valeant sanctitate praebere. R2408pc
and, by the holiness of their lives, exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
satiati
ut, quos uno pane caelesti satiasti, una facias pietate concordes. R2411pc
make those you have nourished by this one heavenly Bread one in mind and heart.
signati
ut, qui eius cruce spiritalique sunt unctione signati, R2406so
so that, signed with his Cross and with a spiritual anointing,
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spiritalique
ut, qui eius cruce spiritalique sunt unctione signati, R2406so
so that, signed with his Cross and with a spiritual anointing,
suavis
gustate et videte quoniam suavis est. R2407am
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
superatis
ut, omnibus adversitatibus superatis, R2401pc
so that, with all trials overcome,
susceperunt
ut, qui donum Spiritus Sancti susceperunt, R2410so
that those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit
suscipe
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus, Domine, suscipe vota clementer, R2396so
Receive in your mercy, O Lord, the prayers of your servants
Suscipe, quaesumus, Domine, oblationem familiae tuae, R2410so
Accept the oblation of your family, we pray, O Lord,
testimonium
ut … in testimonium eius indesinenter accrescant, R2396so
that … they may grow steadily in bearing witness to him,
unctione
ut, qui eius cruce spiritalique sunt unctione signati, R2406so
so that, signed with his Cross and and with a spiritual anointing,
unigeniti
tuique auxisti Unigeniti nutrimento, R2408pc
and nourished by the Body of your Only Begotten Son,
unigenito
Hos famulos tuos, Domine, una cum Unigenito tuo benignus admitte, R2406so
Accept graciously these your servants, O Lord, together with your Only Begotten Son,
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unitate
ut …, in unitate fidei ambulantes, R2405co
so that, walking in oneness of faith,
valeant
ut… propheticum tui populi munus sua valeant sanctitate praebere. R2408pc
that they may…,by the holiness of their lives,exercise the prophetic mission of your people.
veritatem
et inducat in omnem, sicut tuus promisit Filius, veritatem. R2409co
and lead us into all truth, just as your Son has promised.
veritatis
qui Spiritum veritatis in Ecclesiam mansurum esse promisit, R2402bs
who promised that the Spirit of truth would abide in his Church,
videte
gustate et videte quoniam suavis est. R2407am
Taste and see that the Lord is good.
virtute
et vos in confessione verae fidei sua virtute confirmet. R2402bs
and confirm you by his power in the confession of the true faith.
vota
Famulorum tuorum, quaesumus, Domine, suscipe vota clementer, R2396so
Receive in your mercy, O Lord, the prayers of your servants
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