Session 2: Apostolic Succession

In this session, Fr. Tony explores Apostolic Succession, its necessity in the Sacrament of Confirmation, and its historical consensus in the Church catholic. Apostolic Succession refers to the continuous, tactile lineage of bishops tracing back to the apostles through the laying on of hands. This succession is both a physical and spiritual transmission of the faith, preserving the grace given by Christ to the apostles. The well-documented records of episcopal lineage highlight this unbroken chain, reinforcing the legitimacy of the sacrament.

The session addresses why a tactile succession is crucial for transmitting the faith, emphasizing that God often works through physical means— sacraments—to convey His grace. Just as healing can come through anointing with oil, so too is the faith handed down through the sacramental act of laying on of hands. However, succession alone does not guarantee fidelity to the faith; a bishop in the apostolic line can still reject the true faith, as seen in some modern instances.

Finally, the video establishes the historical foundation of Apostolic Succession, citing biblical examples of bishops like Timothy and Titus, as well as early Church Fathers such as Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Irenaeus, and Tertullian. These sources affirm the episcopacy’s role in preserving the faith and administering Confirmation. The session concludes by setting the stage for further discussion on the grace conveyed through the laying on of hands in Session 3.