3. The Sacrament of Confirmation
Rev. Msgr. JOSELITO C. ASIS, JCD
Fr. George J. Willmann Series #2
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4. Nihil Obstat: Msgr. Pedro C. Quitorio
KCFAPI Chaplain
Imprimatur: Most Rev. Honesto F. Ongtioco
Bishop of Cubao
KC Luzon Chaplain
The Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur are a declaration that a book
is considered to be free from doctrinal or moral error. It is not
necessarily implied that those who have granted them agree
with the contents, opinions or statements expressed.
Copyright 2010 by the Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)
Cover Design:
Layout: Laurence John R. Morales
All rights reserved. No part of this book maybe reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or
mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any
information storage or retrieval system without the written
permission of the publisher.
ISBN No.
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5. Table of Contents
I - On the Sacrament of Confirmation ................... 7
II - On the celebration of the Sa c r a m e n t o f
Confirmation .................................................................. 13
III - Frequently asked questions on the Sacrament of
Confirmation .................................................................. 17
Bibliography .......................................................................... 26
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6. Introduction
Confirmation is one the sacraments that is not very well
understood among many Catholics. For some, the need for it
comes only when the child enrolls in a Catholic school or when
a couple needs the certificate of confirmation upon application
for marriage. But pitifully enough, the need is mostly about
the certificate requisite and not the merit of the sacrament.
Understandably, the lack of knowledge of the sacrament
of confirmation, like any other sacrament, is mainly due to the
dearth of catechesis in most parishes. But while the parish is
the center to catechetical formation, it does not free the parents,
godparents, and lay leaders from the duty of explaining the
faith to others. The Second Plenary Council of the Philippines
(PCP-II) decreed thus: “Lay faithful and particularly lay leaders
should acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to defend
and explain the faith to others.” (Art 44, #3)
It is in this light that the members of the Knights of Columbus
are also called to the work of catechesis. Admittedly, formation
or catechesis has been one of the weakest link of the Order of
the Knights of Columbus in the Philippines. Such spiritual
formation is barely enough to know the rudiments of the faith.
A continuing catechesis is necessary.
The Father George J. Willmann Series is only one of the modest
ways in helping the members of the Order get acquainted with
the Church’s teachings. A joint project of the Father George J.
Willmann Charities, Inc. and the KC Priests-Scholars Association,
we hope that this series will be disseminated in every council
throughout the three State Jurisdictions in the Philippines.
MSGR PEDRO C. QUITORIO
Chaplain, KCFAPI
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7. I. On the Sacrament of Confirmation
1. How does the Catholic Church define the Sacrament of
Confirmation?
The Sacrament of Confirmation has been given different
names, such as, “laying on of hands,” “sacrament of chrism,”
and “sacrament of fullness.” It was St. Ambrose of Milan
who was the first one to use the term confirmation: “You have
received the spiritual sign, the sign of wisdom; God the Father
has sealed you, Christ the Lord has confirmed you and has
given you the gift of the Spirit in your heart.”(St. Ambrose, De
Mysteriis, 7. 42: PL 16. 403).
The Catechism of the Catholic Church gives us the notion
of Confirmation: “by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the
baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are
enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they
are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread
and defend the faith by word and deed.”(CCC No. 1285).
The New Code of Canon Law describes: “The sacrament
of Confirmation strengthens the baptized and obliges them
more firmly to be witnesses of Christ by word and deed and to
spread and defend the faith. It imprints a character, enriches
by the gift of the Holy Spirit the baptized continuing on the
path of Christian initiation, and binds them more perfectly to
the Church (Can. 879).
Based from the above Church documents, we can define
the Sacrament of Confirmation as the sacrament instituted by
Christ in which the baptized – through the laying on of hands and
the anointing with chrism, together with some sacred words – receive
the Holy Spirit in order to publicly confess the faith with fortitude,
by word and deed. It is the sacrament in which one is enriched
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8. by the gift of the Holy Spirit and bound more perfectly to the
Church. It strengthens and obliges the baptized to be witness
to Christ by word and deed and to spread and defend the faith.
It is the sacrament in which one enters into full membership in
the Catholic Church.
2. What does the Bible say about Confirmation?
The direct reference to the institution of the sacrament of
Confirmation can be found in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter
8, verses 12-17. Here, we learn that the deacon Philip had
baptized many believers in Samaria. The apostles in Jerusalem
heard that the people of Samaria had received the word of
God, so they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived,
they prayed for the believers that they might receive the Holy
Spirit for the Holy Spirit had not yet come down on any of
them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and
they received the Holy Spirit.
Also in Chapter 19, verses 1- 6 of the Acts of the Apostles,
we read that St. Paul came to Ephesus, and found certain
disciples. He said to them: Have you received the Holy Spirit
since you believed? But they said to him: We have not so
much as heard whether there be a Holy Spirit. And he said: In
what then were you baptized? They said: In John’s baptism.
Then Paul said: John baptized the people with the baptism of
penance . . . Having heard these things, they were baptized
in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had imposed
his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they
spoke with tongues and prophesied.
From that time on, the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s
will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands
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9. the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism. For
this reason in the Letter to the Hebrews the doctrine concerning
Baptism and the laying on of hands is listed among the first
elements of Christian instruction. The imposition of hands is
rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the
sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates
the grace of Pentecost in the Church. (cf. Catechism of the Catholic
Church, N. 1288).
3. What are the Matter and Form of the Sacrament of
Confirmation?
The matter of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the anointing
with Sacred Chrism (oil mixed with balsam and consecrated by
the bishop during the Holy Chrism Mass on Holy Thursday),
which is done by the laying on of the hand of the minister. The
form of this sacrament is the word pronounced by the minister:
“Be sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit”. It is the practice in
the Latin Church that the anointing is done on the forehead of
the confirmands while the sacramental words are said.
4. What are the Effects of Confirmation?
The effect of the Sacrament of Confirmation is the full
outpouring of the Holy Spirit like on the day of Pentecost.
From this fact, Confirmation brings an increase and deepening
of baptismal grace:
• it roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which
makes us cry, “Abba! Father!”;
• it unites us more firmly to Christ;
• it increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit in us;
• it renders our bond with the Church more perfect;
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10. • it gives us a special strength of the Holy Spirit to
spread and defend the faith by word and action as
true witnesses of Christ, to confess the name of Christ
boldly, and never to be ashamed of the Cross:
The sacramental grace of Confirmation strengthens one
against temptation, helps one in persecution and fortifies one
to be an active witness for Jesus.
5. What are the Seven-fold Gifts and Fruits of the Holy
Spirit?
Through the sacrament of Confirmation we receive seven
gifts of the Holy Spirit:
• Wisdom -- right sense of God in our lives - first things
first
• Understanding -- helps in understanding our Faith
• Counsel -- helps us to choose the right human
judgment
• Fortitude -- helps us to persevere
• Knowledge -- helps us to know how to choose what is
helpful and reject what is harmful.
• Piety -- Love for God, confidence in Him, reverence to
Him.
• Fear of the Lord -- knowing that God is a just Judge --
yes, He is loving and merciful but He is also just.
Fruits of the Holy Spirit will be yours if you use the gifts of
the Holy Spirit, the external product of the indwelling of the
Holy Spirit:
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11. • Charity -- unselfish person;
• Peace -- well adjusted person;
• Joy -- cheerful/pleasant person;
• Patience -- slow to anger, not resentful
• Kindness/Goodness -- not self-righteous, stands for
what is right even when it means standing alone;
• Generosity -- no self-pity, uncomplaining in sickness/
sorrow
• Faithfulness -- their religion is first in their lives;
• Modesty -- decent in dress, speech, action, self control
in all you do;
• Chastity -- reverence for your own and the sexuality of
others;
6. Who can Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation?
Every baptized person who is not yet confirmed, and only
such a person, is capable of receiving confirmation. In order
to receive confirmation licitly outside the danger of death, it
is required that a baptized person who has the use of reason
be suitably instructed, properly disposed, and able to renew
the baptismal promises. (Can. 889, §1-2). Likewise, the
confirmand must be in a state of grace. One should receive the
sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the
Holy Spirit. More intense prayer should prepare one to receive
the strength and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and
readiness to act (CCC 1310).
Regarding the right age of the confirmand, it is a general
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12. practice in the Roman Catholic Church that the Sacrament
of Confirmation be conferred on the baptized upon reaching
the age of reason (normally upon reaching the age of seven).
However, it can be done before this age if there is a danger of
death or for other gave reasons (cf. Can. 891). The Conference
of Bishops may also determine another suitable age, other than
the age of reason, so that the baptized may receive Confirmation
when they are more mature and have received the necessary
formation. In the Philippines, the Conference of Bishops has set
the age for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation to at
least seven years old or after the First Communion. However,
it also allows for the delay of confirmation to a more suitable
time when the recipient is more mature after appropriate
catechetical formation.
In any case, the reception of Confirmation, being part of
the sacraments of Christian initiation – should not be delayed
too much. A baptized would be deprived of an important help
in his or her fight against temptations.
7. Who is the Minister of the Sacrament of Confirmation?
The ordinary minister of Confirmation is the bishop (cf.
Can. 882). Bishops are the successors of the apostles and
have received the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders.
By administering the Sacrament of Confirmation, Bishops
demonstrate clearly that its effect is to unite those who receive
it more closely to the Church, to her apostolic origins, and to
her mission of bearing witness to Christ (CCC 1313).
The bishop may, for grave reasons, concede to priests
the faculty of administering Confirmation. For example, if
a baptized is in danger of death, any priest should give him
Confirmation (cf. Can. 883, par. 3). Indeed the Church desires
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13. that none of her children, even the youngest, should depart
this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit
with the gift of Christ’s fullness (CCC 1314).
Thus, the extraordinary minister of this sacrament is the
priest. Actually, a priest or presbyter is provided with the
faculty to administer Confirmation by virtue of universal law
or the special grant of the competent authority; and can confer
this sacrament validly (Can. 882). The following possess the
faculty of administering confirmation by the law itself: (1)
within the boundaries of their jurisdiction, those who are
equivalent in law to a diocesan bishop; (2) as regards the person
in question, the presbyter who by virtue of office or mandate
of the diocesan bishop baptizes one who is no longer an infant
or admits one already baptized into the full communion of
the Catholic Church; (3) as regards those who are in danger of
death, the pastor or indeed any presbyter (Can. 883).
II. On the Celebration of the
Sacrament of Confirmation
1. What are the Meanings of the Signs and Rite of the Sacrament
of Confirmation?
The sacrament of confirmation is conferred through the
anointing with chrism on the forehead, which is done by the
laying on of the hand, and through the words: BE SEALED
WITH THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The whole rite presents a twofold symbolism. The laying of
hands on the candidates by the bishop represents the biblical
gesture by which the gift of the Holy Spirit is invoked and in a
manner well suited to the understanding of the Christian people.
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14. The anointing with chrism and the accompanying words express
clearly the effect of the giving of the Holy Spirit. Signed with
the perfumed oil, the baptized receive the indelible character,
the seal of the Lord, together with the gift of the Spirit that
conforms them more closely to Christ and gives them the grace
of spreading “the sweet odor of Christ”(CCC 1293).
Anointing, in Biblical and other ancient symbolism, is rich
in meaning. Oil is a sign of abundance and joy; it cleanses
(anointing before and after a bath) and limbers (the anointing
of athletes and wrestlers). Oil is a sign of healing since it is
soothing to bruises and wounds; and it makes radiant with
beauty, health, and strength. By this anointing the confirmand
receives the “mark,” the seal of the Holy Spirit. A seal is a
symbol of a person, a sign of personal authority, or ownership
of an object. A seal authenticates a juridical act or document.
Christ himself declared that He was marked with His Father’s
seal. Christians are also marked with a seal: “It is God who
establishes us with you in Christ and has commissioned us;
He has put His seal on us and given us His Spirit in our hearts
as a guarantee”(2 Cor 1:21-22; cf. Eph 1:13; 4:30). This seal
of the Holy Spirit marks our total belonging to Christ, our
enrollment in His service for ever, as well as the promise of
divine protection in the great eschatological trial (cf. Rev 7:2-3;
9:4-6) (CCC 1295-1296).
The Bishop anoints the person to be confirmed with Chrism
on the forehead in the form of the Cross.
The oil of Chrism is blessed by the Bishop of a diocese on
Holy Thursday or during Holy Week along with two other oils
- the oil of catechumens and the oil of the sick. This Mass is
special and is called the Chrism Mass. Enough oils are blessed
for the whole diocese for a year. Each parish in the diocese
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15. sends a representative to the Chrism Mass who receives the
oils for their parish for the coming year. Olive oil is used to
anoint because in ancient times it was the sign of strength. In
the sacrament of Confirmation it is the sign of the strengthening
effect of God’s Grace on our spiritual lives.
For the Chrism oil, balm is added. It symbolizes the “sweet
odor of virtue” - “the attractiveness” of the life of those who
use the Graces of Confirmation correctly.
The Cross is a reminder that we are to bear witness to the
Gospel through our lives. We are to be soldiers for Jesus -- to
be loyal to Him, suffering if necessary. This suffering would
include both physical and mental.
The sign of peace that concludes the rite of the sacrament
signifies and demonstrates ecclesial communion with the
bishop and with all the faithful.
2. How is the Sacrament of Confirmation Celebrated?
As a rule, Confirmation takes place within Mass in order
that the fundamental connection of this sacrament with all of
Christian initiation may stand out in clearer light. Christian
initiation reaches its culmination in the communion of the
body and blood of Christ. The newly confirmed therefore
participates in the Eucharist, which completes their Christian
initiation.
When confirmation is given during Mass, it is fitting that
the minister of confirmation celebrates the Mass or, better,
concelebrates it, especially with those priests who may be
joining him in administering the sacrament.
If the Mass is celebrated by someone else, it is proper that
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16. the bishop preside over the liturgy of the word, doing all that
the celebrant normally does, and that he give the blessing at
the end of Mass.
Great emphasis should be placed on the celebration of the
word of God that introduces the rite of Confirmation. It is from
the hearing of the word of God that the many-sided work of
the Holy Spirit flows out upon the Church and upon each one
of the baptized and confirmed. Through this hearing of His
word, God’s will is made known in the life of Christians.
Great importance is likewise to be attached to the saying of
the Lord’s Prayer. Those to be confirmed will recite it together
with the congregation – either during Mass before communion
or outside Mass before the blessing – because it is the Spirit
who prays in us and in the Spirit the Christian says, “Abba,
Father.”
When Confirmation is celebrated separately from Baptism,
as is the case in the Roman Rite, the Liturgy of Confirmation
begins with the renewal of baptismal promises and the
profession of faith by the confirmands. This clearly shows that
Confirmation follows Baptism.110 When adults are baptized,
they immediately receive Confirmation and participate in the
Eucharist (CCC 1298; cf. Can. 866).
3. What are the Things to Prepare for the Celebration of
Confirmation?
The following should be prepared for the administration
of Confirmation:
a. when Confirmation is given within Mass, the vestments
prescribed for the celebration of Mass both for the bishop and
for any assisting priests who concelebrate with him. If the Mass
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17. is celebrated by someone else, the minister of Confirmation as
well as any priests joining him in administering the sacrament
should take part in the Mass wearing the vestments prescribed
for administering Confirmation: alb, stole, and, for the minister,
the cope; these also are the vestments worn when Confirmation
is given outside of Mass;
b. chairs for the bishop and the priests assisting him;
c. vessel (or vessels) for the chrism;
d. Roman Pontifical or Roman Ritual;
e. when Confirmation is given within Mass, the requisites
for celebration of Mass and for communion under both kinds,
if it is to be given;
f. the requisites for the washing of hands after the anointing
of those to be confirmed.
III. Frequently Asked Questions on the
Sacrament of Confirmation
1. Is Confirmation necessary for salvation?
Confirmation is not actually necessary for the baptized to
be saved. Neither it is certain whether it is necessary by strict
precept. However, there is no doubt that Confirmation is very
advantageous for the growth of Christian life and completing
the work of salvation. Otherwise, Christ would not have
instituted it.
Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist form a unit,
known as Sacraments of Initiation. We may say that without
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18. Confirmation, Baptism is valid, but Christian initiation would
still be incomplete. Thus Canon Law specifies that “the faithful
are obliged to receive this sacrament at the appropriate time”(cf.
Can. 890; CCC 1306).
2. Why is this sacrament called Chrismation or
Confirmation?
In the Eastern Church, this sacrament is called chrismation
or anointing with holy myron or chrism because its essential
rite is the anointing with chrism. It is also called confirmation
because it confirms and strengthens the baptismal grace (cf.
CCC 1289).
3. Can we receive Confirmation more than once?
Confirmation, like Baptism, imprints a spiritual mark or
indelible character on the Christian soul; for this reason one
can receive this sacrament only once (CCC no. 1304).
4. How does a Candidate for Confirmation prepare for the
Reception of this Sacrament?
To receive the Sacrament of Confirmation worthily, one
must be in a state of grace. One should receive the sacrament
of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit.
More intense prayer should prepare one to receive the strength
and graces of the Holy Spirit with docility and readiness to act
(CCC 1310).
Following are some recommendations for those preparing
for confirmation:
• Must freely choose to be confirmed and make their
desire known;
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19. • Must be in the state of grace;
• Must have adequate knowledge of the Catholic faith and
have participated in required catechetical sessions;
• Must be practicing their faith;
• Should regularly attend Mass and receive the
sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation;
• Are responsible for completing all required home study
and service projects;
• Must be aware of the initiation aspect of the Sacrament
of Confirmation and be committed to continuing the
faithful practice and study of their religion;
• Must be willing to participate in the Confirmation
program of prayer, retreat, communal celebration of
the sacrament of Reconciliation, etc.
5. What are the Roles of the Sponsor in Confirmation?
Insofar as possible, there is to be a sponsor for the person
to be confirmed. The sponsor is to take care that the confirmed
person behaves as a true witness of Christ and faithfully fulfills
the obligations inherent in this sacrament (cf. Can. 892).
To perform the function of sponsor, a person must fulfill
the following conditions mentioned in Can. 874, §1:
• Must be designated by the one to be confirmed, by the
parents or the person who takes their place, or in their absence
by the pastor or minister and have the aptitude and intention
of fulfilling this function;
• Have completed the sixteenth year of age, unless the
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20. diocesan bishop has established another age, or the
pastor or minister has granted an exception for a just
cause;
• Must be a Catholic who has been confirmed and has
already received the most holy sacrament of the
Eucharist and who leads a life of faith in keeping with
the function to be taken on;
• Must not be bound by any canonical penalty legitimately
imposed or declared;
• Must not be the father or mother of the one to be
baptized.
It is desirable to choose as sponsor the one who undertook
the same function in baptism (Can. 893, §2).
Others roles of sponsor are:
• Support the person to be confirmed in their commitment
to a Christian life.
• Must know the candidate and be willing to serve as
a strong and long-lasting Christian influence on the
candidate.
• Should be sufficiently mature in their own faith
commitment.
• May be either male or female for any candidate.
• May assist the candidate in choosing and carrying out
the candidate’s service project commitment.
• May help the candidate prepare for Confirmation.
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21. • Must be reasonably informed on current church
teachings.
• May accompany the candidate to special liturgies and
preparation programs.
• Can encourage the candidate by growing in a faith
relationship.
• May assist in determining the candidate’s readiness for
the sacrament
• May present the candidate to the minister of
Confirmation
6. What are the Responsibilities of Parents of the
Confirmands?
Parents as the primary educators of their children in the
faith have the following responsibilities as regards preparation
for Confirmation:
• Are responsible for initiating their children into the
sacramental life;
• Serve as models for their child by being committed
Christians;
• Worship with their families regularly;
• Nurture their child in faith;
• Should encourage their child to reflect and thoughtfully
consider the decision to receive the sacrament of
Confirmation;
• Are asked to attend meetings, programs, and prayer
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22. services that are planned to help their child prepare for
the sacrament of Confirmation;
• Are no longer permitted as Confirmation sponsors for
their own child;
• Are asked to assist their child with the immediate
preparation for the sacrament of Confirmation through
prayer, study and Christian Service;
• Can emphasize the importance of the sacrament of
Confirmation by taking an active part in the celebration
of Confirmation;
• Should stress the initiation aspect of the sacrament by
encouraging their children to continue learning more
about their faith;
• Should help their child in understanding that the
Confirmation service project is the beginning of a life
committed to Christian service.
7. What basic Teachings of the Church and Prayers are the
Candidates expected to know before receiving Confirmation?
The following are expected to be known by anyone entering
a Confirmation preparation program. Parents and Sponsors
should assist the candidates in reviewing these topics:
The Ten Commandments:
1. I am the Lord, your God. You shall not have other gods
besides me.
2. You shall not take the name of the Lord God in vain.
3. Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
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23. 5. You shall not kill.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not bear false witness.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
The Seven Sacraments:
1. Baptism
2. Eucharist
3. Reconciliation
4. Confirmation
5. Marriage
6. Holy Orders
7. Anointing of the Sick
The Seven Gifts and Twelve Fruits of the Holy Spirit :
The Gifts of the Holy Spirit help Christians live their lives
more fully committed to Christ. The gifts are:
1. Wisdom
2. Understanding
3. Counsel
4. Fortitude
5. Knowledge
6. Piety
7. Fear of the Lord
From the Gifts of the Holy Spirit come the Fruits, which
are:
1. Charity
2. Joy
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24. 3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Long-suffering
8. Mildness
9. Faith
10. Modesty
11. Continency
12. Chastity
The Beatitudes:
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom
of heaven.
2. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
3. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be
comforted.
4. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for
they shall have their fill.
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
6. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called
the children of God.
8. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Seven Corporal Works of Mercy:
1. Feed the hungry.
2. Give drink to the thirsty.
3. Clothe the naked.
4. Shelter the homeless.
5. Visit the sick.
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25. 6. Visit the imprisoned.
7. Bury the dead.
Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy :
1. To instruct the ignorant;
2. To counsel the doubtful;
3. To admonish sinners;
4. To bear wrongs patiently;
5. To forgive offences willingly;
6. To comfort the afflicted;
7. To pray for the living and the dead.
The Precepts of the Church:
1. To assist at Mass on all Sundays and holy days of
obligation.
2. To fast and abstain on the days appointed.
3. To confess our sins at least once a year.
4. To receive Holy Communion during the Easter time.
5. To contribute to the support of the Church.
6. To observe the laws of the Church concerning
marriage.
Prayers that Candidates Should Know by Heart:
• The Our Father
• The Hail Mary
• The Apostle’s Creed
• Glory be to the Father
• An Act of Contrition
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26. Bibliography
Catechism of the Catholic Church. With Modifications from the
Editio Typica, New York-Vatican City 1997. (CCC)
Catechism for Filipino Catholics, Catholic Bishops’ Conference
of the Philippines, Manila 2005. (CFC)
Vatican Council II, The Conciliar and Post Conciliar Documents,
new rev. ed., Flannery, ed., New York 1992.
New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Beal-Coriden-
Green, eds., New York-Mahwah 2000.
The Sacraments, Enrique Moline in AA.VV., Faith Seeking
Understanding Vol. I, ed. Charles Belmonte, Studium Theologiae
Foundation, Inc., Mandaluyong City 2006.
The Canonical Imperatives of Parish Catechetical Instruction,
Joselito C. Asis, Antipolo City 2003.
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27. Knights of Columbus Fraternal
Association of the Philippines, Inc. (KCFAPI)
THE Knights of Columbus Fraternal Association of the Philippines,
Inc. (KCFAPI), a non-stock, non-profit mutual benefit association is
registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It is under the
supervision of the Insurance Commission and observes sound accounting
and actuarial principles.
When it was finally confirmed that the U.S. Supreme Council could not
provide insurance coverage to Filipino Knights, KCFAPI was established
and started operation in September 1958 to fill the vacuum in providing
insurance protection to Filipino Knights and their families. From an initial
capital of P32,000 which was donated by 64 KC members and councils,
KCFAPI proved its financial strength as its resources continued to expand
over the years, reaching P3.0 Billion as of the year ended December 31,
2009.
Through the years, KCFAPI remained true to its founding principles
of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. The organization is renowned
for its dedicated support for both the Church and Country. It established
its foundations, the Knights of Columbus Philippines Foundation, Inc.,
a charitable and civic organization providing scholarship to poor but
deserving youth as well as financial assistance to victims of calamities and
the KC Fr. George J. Willmann, S.J. Charities, Inc. which was registered on
September 9, 1992 to provide scholarship to poor but deserving diocesan
seminarians and studies of priests and KC Council chaplains who wish to
pursue further studies in ecclesiastical disciplines.
KCFAPI has set up the “CBCP Seed of Hope Fund” amounting to
P10 million. The interest earnings of this fund is earmarked for the priority
projects of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. To date,
it has also donated financial and manpower resources to build 17 units of
houses and one chapel in coordination with the Gawad Kalinga Project.
KCFAPI and its Foundations, continue to provide assistance to dioceses,
the poor and victims of calamities.
KCFAPI will continue to be one with the Order of the Knights of
Columbus and the Catholic Church in promoting Christ’s teachings and
Spirituality as it traverses its next 50 years of Corporate Life.
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