It may come as a surprise to many American Catholics that the practice of choosing a confirmation saint, or “confirmation name,” is relatively new and not universally practiced.
Its origins remain elusive, but we can reasonably trace it back to after the Protestant Reformation. It also finds its roots in the reverence placed on names in scripture.
A name can symbolize a new phase in one’s relationship with God or the passing from an old life to a new one.
This is most clearly seen in Saul being given the name Paul when he leaves behind his life of persecuting Christians and begins spreading the Gospel, ultimately becoming the top contributor to the New Testament.
Those preparing for confirmation then picked up the practice, which symbolizes a new phase in the Christian life. The candidates also request the patronage of a saint he or she feels drawn to.
When choosing a saint, parishes advise confirmands to select someone who inspires them, embodies virtues they aspire to, or somehow resonates with their own experiences.
However, after confirmation, it's common for the saints we choose to fade into the background and be remembered solely when their name is mentioned.
So, here are five easy ways to incorporate your confirmation saint into daily life, keeping their memory and patronage at the forefront of your mind.
1. Wear Your Saint's Medal
Wearing your confirmation saint's medal has spiritual benefits and can serve as a means of evangelization. Wearing the medal daily reminds you of their closeness and demonstrates your visible and tangible devotion.
Relatedly, others will see this visible sign and recognize it as a Catholic symbol. This can lead to a conversation with those who do not know about the sacrament of confirmation or the remarkable life of your saint.
2. Keep your saint's prayer card in common sight
Whether it be your car, bedroom, or kitchen, keeping your saint’s prayer card handy acts as an easy reminder of their presence.
Prayer cards typically feature a beautiful depiction of the saint and a powerful intercessory prayer. Quick access to a traditional prayer to your saint can provide an opportunity for daily prayer or comfort in times of need.
3. End your prayers with “[your saint], pray for us”
Concluding prayer before meals with a quick call for intercession is an easy and powerful way to engage with your saint.
You can practice this anytime, but it can be especially fruitful in a family setting.
Calling to mind your family’s confirmation saints during meals or bedtime prayers creates an intimate space of personal and communal intercession.
Further, for unconfirmed children, this can become a source of excitement and anticipation for the sacrament of confirmation.
Example: “… from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen. St. Augustine, pray for us. St. Joan of Arc, pray for us. St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.”
4. Meditate on their virtues
Spend time reflecting on your saint's virtues and how you can emulate them. Because we often choose confirmation saints because of their convergence with our lives, the virtues they excelled in are often ones we recognize a personal need for.
Confirmation saints are an ample source of inspiration. Meditation provides a space to cultivate purposeful direction toward a more virtuous life.
5. Celebrate your saint's feast day
Take a moment to discover your saint's feast day and create a yearly reminder. Feast days can be celebrated with Mass, prayers, and special acts of devotion.
It is also an opportunity to share your saint's story with others on social media, or even throw a celebratory party.
Further, make a point to find out your friends’ confirmation saints and write down their feast days.
A quick text on their feast day is a simple way to show intentionality with your friends and shows them that you care and are invested in their spiritual journey.