Q. Our son died two years ago. He had one child, a daughter who is about to be confirmed. Is she permitted to take her father’s name in his honor and as a reminder to ask him to intercede for her in her life choices?
A. The short answer to your question is yes. The Code of Canon Law, a comprehensive book that covers most matters of faith and morals in the Catholic Church and the Ritual for the Sacrament of Confirmation does not say anything specific about choosing a confirmation name.
The confirmation name in the Catholic tradition signifies a radically new identity that one receives when receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament.
Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation in the Catholic tradition - the other two being baptism and the Eucharist.
Choosing a confirmation name is a very important part of a young person’s study of the sacrament and preparing of oneself for that great encounter with the Lord. In addition, the current Rite of Confirmation recommends that the sponsor for Confirmation be the baptismal godparent, to symbolize the continuity of the Sacraments of Initiation.
The custom of choosing the name of a patron saint should be accompanied by catechesis regarding the Communion of Saints. The candidate should demonstrate knowledge of the life and virtues of the saint chosen.
One should want to live as the saint whose name is chosen for Confirmation.
There is no restriction as to the gender (male or female) of the saint, just as in many cultures baptismal names may be combined (e.g., Peter Mary or Ann Daniel), but it is usually easier for a young person to identity with people of their own gender.
Your question certainly has merit for your granddaughter. It sounds like your son was a good dad and provided well for his family including his Catholic witness. If your granddaughter wishes to emulate the Catholic strengths and virtues of his life, she may take his name for Confirmation.
This question was answered by a priest of the Diocese of Lincoln. Write to Ask the Register using our online form, or write to 3700 Sheridan Blvd., Suite 10, Lincoln NE 68506-6100. All questions are subject to editing. Editors decide which questions to publish. Personal questions cannot be answered. People with such questions are urged to take them to their nearest Catholic priest.
