What does the sacrament of confirmation signify in Catholicism?

In Catholicism, the sacrament of confirmation signifies the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in the life of the confirmed individual. It is considered one of the three sacraments of initiation, alongside baptism and Eucharist. During confirmation, the person receives a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which empowers them to live out their faith more fully and to participate actively in the Church's mission. This sacrament is seen as a deepening of the grace received in baptism.

While confirmation does relate to initiation, it is primarily about the empowerment that comes through the Holy Spirit, enabling the individual to be a witness to Christ in the world. The mention of the washing away of sins pertains more to the sacrament of baptism, where original sin is forgiven. The reading of sacred texts is an important practice in Catholicism, but it does not define the core significance of confirmation. Therefore, the emphasis on the strengthening of the Holy Spirit highlights the unique role that this sacrament plays in the spiritual journey of a Catholic.