The Sacrament of Confirmation at St. Mary Church, Norwalk

Today during the 9:30 am Mass, the sacrament of Confirmation was administered by Bishop Frank J. Caggiano in the traditional form of the Roman Rite at St. Mary Church, Norwalk, CT

The clergy with the candidates for Confirmation proccees to the vestibule to receive the bishop

The bishop kisses a crucifix, asperges himself, the clergy and the confirmandi with holy water.  He enters the church in procession.

The bishop is vested before his people in pontifical and priestly raiment of mitre, stole and cope.

The pastor comes forward and presents the candidates for Confirmation to the bishop.

The bishop instructs the confirmandi on the nature of the Sacrament and their duties and privileges as Christians.

The bishop ascends the altar steps and sits upon his faldstool.  The candidates individually kneel before him, as their sponsors stand behind and place a hand upon their shoulders.

The bishop anoints each with the sacred chrism which he consecrated in Holy Week and conscribes each with the cross.

The bishop blesses each candidate.

The bishop strikes the cheek of each, a sign of the hardships and mockery each will endure as a Christian.

The bishop imparts his final blessing before departing.