The theological significance of Confirmation lies in its ability to perfect Baptismal grace, which roots the believer more deeply in divine filiation and incorporates them more firmly into Christ (CCC 1316). By increasing and deepening this grace, the sacrament imparts the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear for the Lord in the presence of God (CCC 1300, 1303). Furthermore, Confirmation imprints an indelible spiritual mark or character upon the soul, signifying that Jesus Christ has marked the person with his seal of the Spirit, which renders the sacrament receivable only once in a lifetime (CCC 1304, 1317).

In relation to the broader life of the Church, Confirmation perfects the common priesthood of the faithful and provides the special strength required to spread and defend the faith (CCC 1304-1305). It is fundamentally linked to Baptism, a connection evidenced by the renewal of baptismal promises when the two are celebrated separately (CCC 1321). Together with Baptism and the Eucharist, Confirmation grounds the common vocation of all disciples to holiness and evangelization, providing the graces necessary for the pilgrimage toward heaven.

To receive Confirmation, a candidate must be in a state of grace, which necessitates receiving the sacrament of Penance to be cleansed before receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit (CCC 1310). The candidate must also profess the faith and intend to receive the sacrament, signifying a commitment to assume the role of a witness and disciple of Christ (CCC 1319). Preparation requires intense prayer, docility, and the spiritual assistance of a sponsor, who is ideally one of the person’s baptismal godparents (CCC 1311).

Liturgically, the sacrament is celebrated through the laying on of hands and anointing with sacred chrism or myron, which seals the faithful with the Holy Spirit (CCC 1300). The unity of the sacraments of initiation is further emphasized when Confirmation is celebrated within the Eucharist. The rite concludes with a sign of peace, which signifies the recipient’s ecclesial communion with the bishop and the entire community of the faithful.