Holy Spirit Confirmation Pendant

The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Wisdom, Knowledge, Right Judgment, Wonder and Awe, Understanding, Reverence, Courage) are listed on the back of this pendant:


1. Wisdom: With the gift of wisdom, we see God at work in our lives and in the world. Through this gift, the wonders of nature, historical events, and the ups and downs of our lives take on deeper meaning. We see God as our Father and other people as endowed with an intrinsic dignity. We are thus able to see God in everyone and in everything everywhere.

2. Knowledge: With the gift of knowledge, we understand the meaning of God. The gift of knowledge is more than an accumulation of facts.

3. Right Judgment (Counsel): With the gift of counsel (right judgment), we know the difference between right and wrong, and we choose to do what is right. A person with right judgment avoids sin and lives out the values taught by Jesus. The gift of truth that allows the person to respond prudently and to believe joyfully.

4. Wonder and Awe (Fear of the Lord): With the gift of wonder and awe we are aware of the glory and majesty of God. A person with wonder and awe knows that God is the perfection of all we desire: perfect knowledge, perfect goodness, perfect power, and perfect love. This gift is described by St. Thomas Aquinas as a fear of separating oneself from God. He describes the gift as a "filial fear," like a child';s fear of offending his father, rather than a "servile fear," that is, a fear of punishment. Wonder and awe are a way of knowing that God is all powerful. "Fear of the Lord" is the beginning of wisdom (Prov 1:7) because it puts our mindset in its correct location with respect to God: we are the finite, dependent creatures, and God is the infinite, all-powerful Creator.

5. Understanding: In understanding, we comprehend how we need to live as followers of Christ. A person with understanding is not confused by all the conflicting messages in our culture about the right way to live. The gift of understanding perfects a person';s speculative reason in the apprehension of truth. It is the gift whereby self-evident principles are known.

6. Reverence (Piety): With the gift of reverence, sometimes called piety, we have a deep sense of respect for God and the Church. With reverence we recognize our total reliance on God and come before God with humility, trust, and love. Reverence is the gift whereby, at the Holy Spirit';s instigation, we pay worship and duty to God as our Father.

7. Courage (Fortitude): With the gift of courage, we overcome our fear and are willing to take risks as followers of Jesus Christ. A person with courage is willing to stand up for what is right in the sight of God, even if it means accepting rejection, verbal abuse, or even physical harm and death. The gift of courage allows people the firmness of mind that is required both in doing good and in enduring evil, especially with regard to goods or evils that are difficult.

1.25" Solid Pewter Pendant on black nylon cord, Made in the U.S.A.