The notion of choosing a patron saint as an adult catechmen?

[GloriousOrder]

Friends ,

Everywhere one looks on R.C.I.A. websites, one sees catechetical directors shunning the taking of a confirmation name. Since none of our unbaptised adults will be receiving a baptismal name (already having legal names), we asked the Rector whether there might be a confirmation name given. He said we may, but not with a tone of great confidence or enthusiasm, I dare say.

Is this idea of choosing a saint at Confirmation (for adult catechmens) really traditional, or what? I’d really love to choose St. Dominic, he being my overall spiritual father; however, if the tradition is just a regional novelty or made-up modern idea, there’s really no point. Have confirmands (of any age or previous state) generally chosen a Patron Saint for themselves, or not?

 

[MarkThompson]

This post may help you.

 

[Waiting]

Friends ,

Everywhere one looks on R.C.I.A. websites, one sees catechetical directors shunning the taking of a confirmation name. Since none of our unbaptised adults will be receiving a baptismal name (already having legal names), we asked the Rector whether there might be a confirmation name given. He said we may, but not with a tone of great confidence or enthusiasm, I dare say.

Is this idea of choosing a saint at Confirmation (for adult catechmens) really traditional, or what? I’d really love to choose St. Dominic, he being my overall spiritual father; however, if the tradition is just a regional novelty or made-up modern idea, there’s really no point. Have confirmands (of any age or previous state) generally chosen a Patron Saint for themselves, or not?

The taking of a saint’s name by those being confirmed is so common, that I’m surprised to learn from you that it is discouraged in any way, in any place. By all means take the name of Dominic. He can be the source of great help to you in your efforts to live as God wills.

 

[Stitchwort]

When I was confirmed, as an adult, some 35 or 40 years ago, it was customary to add a saint’s name.

 

[stormy99]

**We were told to select a confirmation name…and to give it a lot of thought. I already had a saint middle name…but I choose St. Catherine of Sienna…I just kept coming back to her…we were given no choice…and my confirmation certificate has that name on it.

stormy**

 

[GloriousOrder]

The taking of a saint’s name by those being confirmed is so common, that I’m surprised to learn from you that it is discouraged in any way, in any place. By all means take the name of Dominic. He can be the source of great help to you in your efforts to live as God wills.

Friend, here is an example of what I meant: teamrcia.com/2008/03/08/should-the-elect-choose-a-baptismal-name/ - in the post itself and the following comments.

Again: books.google.com/books?id=ACvwrBBxKxYC&pg=PA35&lpg=PA35&dq=Dennis+Smolarski,++Choosing+a+Confirmation+Name.%E2%80%9D%3F&source=bl&ots=7IBYrdzdd7&sig=V0NujVqmP-mYdIIeLo5ta2n8qGU&hl=en&ei=1jV_S4_MI4-asgO118j8Cw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&ved=0CA8Q6AEwAg#v=onepage&q&f=true

Again: teamrcia.com/2009/07/03/choosing-a-confirmation-name/

When I was confirmed, as an adult, some 35 or 40 years ago, it was customary to add a saint’s name.

This, along with MarkThompson’s most excellent post , has convinced me of the right way.

 

[Waiting]

I read the article. Thanks for the information, however, I would still take “Dominic” as a Confirmation name. You can’t have too many personal intercessors dedicated to your salvation. We need all the help we can get.