In most Western Christian traditions, the bishop is the designated celebrant for the sacrament of affirmation. This displays the sacrament’s historic connection to the apostles and the bishop’s function as their successor. Whereas a priest can administer affirmation underneath sure circumstances, with correct authorization from the diocesan bishop or different competent authority, the bishop stays the standard minister. This follow underscores the unity of the diocese and the connection of the confirmed to the bigger Church.
The bishop’s function as the usual minister highlights the importance of affirmation as a completion of baptismal grace. It emphasizes the significance of this sacrament in strengthening the confirmed for his or her mission as Christian witnesses throughout the Church and the world. Traditionally, when affirmation was extra carefully tied to baptism, the native bishop would administer each sacraments. Because the Church grew, sensible issues led to monks extra generally administering baptism, whereas affirmation remained largely reserved for the bishop, emphasizing its distinctive connection to apostolic authority. This follow serves as a visual reminder of the Church’s interconnectedness and the bishop’s pastoral accountability for his diocese.
