Bishop Tobin on Confirmation Names

"In celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation I'm often intrigued by, and sometimes bemused by, the names candidates take as they receive the sacrament.

"As you know, it's customary, though not obligatory, for the Confirmandi to take a new name. And the taking of a new name at various moments of our religious journey is not unusual; it's part of our tradition. An infant is named in the Baptism Rite. Consecrated men and women assume a new name at their profession. And, of course, the pope takes a new name when he's elected. 

"Why are Confirmation candidates invited to take a new name? . . ."

In a recent commentary, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, of the Diocese of Providence (RI), reflected on the practice of taking Confirmation names and the grace-filled opportunity it can be..

To access Bishop Tobin's complete essay, please visit:

The Imitation of Christ: Confirmation Names (29 APR 21)