"And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in Heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church'.”
                                                                                                                                         ~Matthew 16:17-18

Throughout sacred Scripture and the tradition of the Church, God has bestowd a new name on those He chooses and calls to a particular mission in His plan: a call to a new life. The patriarch Abram had his name elongated to Abraham; his grandson Jacob was re-named Israel; Saul of Tarsus changed his name to Paul after his conversion to Christianity; and Simon was re-named Peter by Christ.

This practice has been extended as each newly elected pope chooses for himself a new name: Karol Wojtyla became John Paul II, Joseph Ratzinger became Benedict XVI, and Jorge Bergoglio became Francis. Following this tradition, those preparing to undertake a new mission in life by presenting themselves for Confirmation are encouraged to take on a new name.

Over the years, the practice of selecting a Confirmation name has changed and today we witness many candidates placing significant value on this traditional practice. The Confirmation Name chosen by the candidate is typically associated with a saint, a religious role model, or a biblical hero. In some cases, a candidate may choose to use his/her own Baptismal name. In any case, the candidate should understand the meaning of the chosen name and the name’s relationship to a particular saint. The name the candidate chooses is the name underwhich the Bishop will Confirm the candidate. Choose wisely...