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Bring Back the Slap! By Thomas M. Cabeen Blows on the cheek are not commonly associated with sacramental ceremonies nowadays, but until 1965, every confirmed Catholic received such a brief reproval. This action is known as the “Confirmation Slap”. Why it existed, why it doesn’t in the current Roman Rite, and why I think it should be brought back will be treated in this article. Up until the Second Vatican Council in the mid- 1960s, during the ceremonies (that is, the actions that surround a sacrament but are not necessary for the validity of the sacrament) of Confirmation, the confirmandi would receive a “brief blow on the cheek” by the bishop after being anointed with the Sacred Chrism....

The Camino de Santiago, by Gabriel Ringwald This life is a journey. We will have many experiences throughout our life, be they good or bad. One thing remains certain: we need to be spiritually in a personal relationship with God and his son Jesus Christ. When I get a chance to hear a talk about something related to our Catholic faith, you’ll see me there trying to learn more and get closer to God....