age at confirmation

Hi

I was wondering about age at confirmation in the 1700's and 1800's. Anyone happen to know?

Regards
Denise

Comment

Because of local customs, in some locations, children are confirmed shortly after being baptised; often as babies. Others when they are 8 to 14 years old.

I discovered that in northern Sonora, Mexico, in the 1800s, children were baptised in huge groups at a time. I found thousands were baptised all at once in a 2-3 day period every few years apart. Entire children of each family were baptised at the same time regardless of age.

I surmise it was because in the rural areas the Catholic Bishop didn't get around too often.

Jose Carlos de Leon

Comment

I would guess shortly after baptism. This has generally been the custom in Mexico, and though it has started to change to the US norm of 15ish (sophomore in hs), I find that many Mexican children have already been confirmed.

Laura Gonzalez

Comment

Hello Laura and Jose Carlos

Thank you so much for your responses - I would never have guessed babies would be confirmed. The baptism in batches years apart is also good info - I imagine it could be the same for confirmations, explaing the gap I referred to in the other forum topic I recently posted.

It is great to be a member of NR and have others I can turn to for info and advice!

Regards,
Denise