confrimation question

[ZiSunka]

Why do catholics adopt new names at their confirmations?

 

[isshinwhat]

Usually a person is named after a particular saint they feel a connection with. Some people like St. Francis's witness of love and compassion, so they pick his name as their Confirmation name, and ask for his prayers as their patron.  As far as I know, it is a traditional, but optional practice.

Neal

 

[ZiSunka]

But why? You've described how, but not why. Does anybody know?

 

[I can eat 50 eggs]

My take, which may or may not be correct.

I believe in the early church it was a common practice to change your name when you became a Christian, (like Paul/Saul) to show the change you had made in your life.

 

[isshinwhat]

But why? You've described how, but not why. Does anybody know?

We choose a Saint who we feel a close connection with, and they become our patron saint. We do this because this Saint's life and Christian witness has touched us in some way, since Confirmation is the time when we grow up and accept our faith as our own. Their witness and prayers will aid us on the journey of life in Christ that we have taken upon ourselves. Adult converts receive Baptism and Confirmation at the same time, but children receive Confirmation at the age of accountability. This is a crucial time for them in their faith. The choosing of a patron saint, we pray, will help them stay on the path.

God Bless,

Neal

Choosing a Confirmation Name


Why do we choose another name?

God calls each of us by name and sees each of us as a unique reflection of God's self.

How do you reflect God? At Baptism, the name you were given was more than a combination of letters; it became a sign of you. When people hear your name, they don't think of a word---they think of YOU!

In choosing a Confirmation name, you choose a name that represents who you are, who you are becoming, and how you would like to reflect the Spirit of God in your life.

Does it have to be a saint’s name?

You may choose your baptismal name again, representing your continued response to God who calls you by name, or you may choose a new name that expresses your growth in living in the Holy Spirit.

You can take the name of someone you know, living or deceased, whose Christian living has inspired you, or you can choose the name of a saint or biblical hero you admire.

While you are deciding on a name, you will learn about that person, saint, or biblical hero who shares your Confirmation name and how that person can be an example for you.

This friend will become a "patron saint" who "adopts" you and prays for you.

He or she becomes your patron simply because you choose his or her name or a variation of it. That's quite a deal, isn't it?

You may even be surprised to find that you have something in common with your patron!

 

[HisLamb]

This link might help some.

http://www.ewtn.com/vexperts/showresult.asp?RecNum=263679&Forums=0&Experts=0&Days=90&Author=&Keyword=confirmation

 

[ZiSunka]

So, by adopting a saint's name, you hope to obtain his/her virtues?

 

[HisLamb]

Originally posted by lambslove
So, by adopting a saint's name, you hope to obtain his/her virtues?

No.  I would say you'd be reminded more to try to imitate his/her virtues.  We can't obtain anyone's virtues by osmosis just by choosing a name.

 

[ZiSunka]

Ah! I see. Thanks!

 

[Avila]

Kinda - basically, in our striving to achieve holiness (just as all other Christians do), his/her example speaks to us. We emulate them to become more Christ-like. Just adopting the name does nothing for us. We have to work on our walk with Christ to become holy...

 

[ZiSunka]

When my best friend got confirmed, a name was assigned to him; he didn't get to chose. Is that typical?