(VIDEO ONLY) The Pope reflected on the sacrament of confirmation. He said that, "if baptism is the sacrament of birth to life in Christ, confirmation is the sacrament of growth" and that it leads to "bearing witness to one's faith."
SUMMARY OF THE POPE'S CATECHESIS IN SPANISH
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
In this catechesis, we continue to reflect on the Holy Spirit in the life of the Church. His presence and sanctifying action comes to us through the Word of God and the sacraments. Of the seven sacraments, confirmation is the sacrament of the Holy Spirit par excellence.
In the New Testament we see some elements of the sacrament of confirmation. For example, when the "laying on of hands" is mentioned, which communicates in a visible and charismatic way the Holy Spirit. We also find the "anointing" and the "sealing" which manifest the indelible character of this sacrament.
We can say that, if baptism is the sacrament of birth to life in Christ, confirmation is the sacrament of growth. This means the beginning of a stage of Christian maturity, which entails bearing witness to one's faith. In order to carry out this mission, it is important not to stop cultivating the gifts of the Spirit that we have received.
I cordially greet the Spanish-speaking pilgrims. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to rekindle the fire of love in our hearts and impel us to give joyful witness to his presence in our lives. May Jesus bless you and the Holy Virgin watch over you. Thank you very much.
TR: JD
