El ministro de Ia Confirmación. Edad y preparación debida del confirmando

Abstract

those to be confirmed. This article develops two different themes, even though they have important connected points: the minister of Confirmation and the requirements of age and due preparation of those to be confirmed. With respect to the first theme, our aim has been to present a brief synthesis of the more recent history and of the decisions adopted by the Code of '83, with particular regard to the extraordinary minister. The second theme poses many theological, pastoral and canonical questions today; this requires a lengthier look both at everything that refers to age and also to the requisites for preparation. In pastoral circles these days there is an opinion that emphasis must be put on the grade of preparation of the candidate has received rather than his age. In this sense we are reminded that no one has the right to receive the sacrament if he does not have due preparation and the necessary dispositions. While this is certain, the author opines that any member of the faithful who is not confirmed has the right to receive the sacrament if prepared and with the right dispositions; this holds even if he does not have the legal age and does not depend on the means used in the preparation, as shown in a reply of the Cong. Divine Worship. Expressed in another way, we should not place unnecessary barriers to the exercise of a fundamental right of the faithful, before which canonical laws (especially particular laws about age for confirmation) give way, or in whose light such laws must be interpreted. Apart from these juridical arguments, other theological problems which underpin some theses which seek to raise the age of Confirmation are underlined in the article. It is of no little importance that the delay in Confirmation is producing an inversion in the order of the sacraments of Christian Initiation.