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 position 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 everyday minister. This follow underscores the unity of the diocese and the connection of the confirmed to the bigger Church.
The bishop’s position 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 inside the Church and the world. Traditionally, when affirmation was extra intently tied to baptism, the native bishop would administer each sacraments. Because the Church grew, sensible concerns led to clergymen 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 duty for his diocese.
