Pope Francis: Confirmation grants us a strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith

(Vatican Radio) During his general audience on January 29, Pope Francis reflected on the sacrament of confirmation, explaining that it is "linked inseparably to Baptism". He urged families to ensure their children receive the sacrament of Confirmation, without which, he stressed, they've only come "half-way."

Through our anointing with the sacred chrism, Confirmation strengthens and “confirms” us in the grace of our Baptism, uniting “us more firmly to Christ.” Confirmation “completes our bond with the Church,” he noted, and “grants us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith, to confess the name of Christ and to never be ashamed of his cross.”

When we welcome the Holy Spirit in our hearts, Christ Himself becomes present in us and takes form in our lives, the Pope said. Through us and our actions, it will be He "who prays and forgives, gives hope and consolation, serves our brothers, helps those in need," and helps spread communion and peace.

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