Five Questions Guide Catholic Teens in Selecting a Confirmation Saint

Catholic author Meg Hunter-Kilmer advises that selecting a confirmation saint requires more than random internet searches or defaulting to famous figures. She suggests that individuals answer specific personal questions to find a spiritual companion who aligns with their unique life circumstances. This method helps believers choose a figure whose witness supports their faith in God’s love.

The first step involves identifying personal interests and hobbies. Hunter-Kilmer notes that saints were three-dimensional people with diverse skills, not just monks and nuns. Athletes can look for saints who played sports, while musicians might seek out those who played instruments. She points out that there are saints who were scientists, homeschooling parents, or millennials who used the internet. Starting with shared passions allows individuals to discover deeper connections in the saints' lives.

Individuals should also consider the specific circumstances of their lives. Hunter-Kilmer observes that people often resonate with saints who faced similar experiences, such as growing up in blended families or surviving assault. This includes positive situations like being a working mother or adoptive parent, as well as difficult struggles like mental illness, infertility, or addiction. She emphasizes that anything significant to a person is significant to God, and there is usually a saint who shares that particular history or disability.

A third factor is the work a person feels called to do. For adults, this might mean matching a career path, such as a medical professional or small business owner. For those without a settled career, Hunter-Kilmer recommends focusing on the type of work rather than the job title. This could include fighting racism, serving refugees, working in politics, or addressing abuse in the Church. This connection serves as a starting point to find a saint who resonates on multiple levels.

Personal sins and spiritual struggles are also part of the selection process. Hunter-Kilmer encourages people to look beyond the surface of a saint's life and examine their struggles. If a person battles with anger, they might seek saints driven by righteous anger to purify their intentions. Alternatively, they might look for saints who were mild and difficult to upset. She notes that saints who were terrible sinners or lived with halfhearted faith can provide encouragement to those facing similar internal conflicts.

The type of story that intrigues a person can also guide the choice. Some individuals might be drawn to adventure, travel, or intrigue. Others might prefer a saint who fought for justice or stood up for herself. Some seek a shy saint or one who found holiness in an ordinary life. Hunter-Kilmer suggests that diving into these stories to see who tugs at the heart is a valid approach.

Hunter-Kilmer argues that there is no wrong choice in this process. Many people later roll their eyes at the decisions they made in middle school, such as choosing St. Sebastian because they played basketball. She states that the Holy Spirit can work through even silly reasons for selection. A person might choose St. Cecilia because they like music, but the saint may have been praying for them for their whole life. This means the choice does not have to be fraught with anxiety.

A confirmation saint is a lifelong companion, but it is not the only saint a person can have. Hunter-Kilmer explains that individuals can add saints to their spiritual circle throughout their lives. These additions can include figures who challenge, inspire, or give hope. The saints serve to call believers into the heart of Jesus, offering a wide range of options for friendship and intercession.