The seven sacraments touch all the stages and all the important moments of Christian life: they give birth and increase healing and mission to the Christian's life of faith. There is thus a certain resemblance between the stages of natural life and the stages of the spiritual life:
Each of these seven sacraments reflect upon the following
symbols of the Holy Spirit.
Water
Signifying the Holy Spirit's action in Baptism where
He brings new birth to the individual incorporating
him in the family of God.
Anointing
Anointing with oil signifies the Holy Spirit. It is used
at baptism, confirmation, and anointing of
the sick. Through it God's presence is manifested.
Fire
Fire symbolizes the transforming energy of the Holy
Spirit's actions. He transforms those he touches.
Cloud & Light
Both are manifestations of the Holy Spirit. In the Old
Testament the cloud, both obscure and luminous,
reveals the living and saving God. In the transfiguration
of the New Testament, the cloud overshadowed Jesus.
Seal
The Father seals us in Christ. The seal expresses the
indelible char action imprinted on an individual when
anointed in Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders.
Hand
Jesus healed and blessed people by laying hands on
them. When the apostles imposed hands on people, the
Holy Spirit was given.
Finger
By the finger of God, Jesus cast out demons so
the Spirit was present here.
Dove
The Holy Spirit came upon Christ in the form of a dove,
so the dove has always been a symbol of the Spirit.
Material gathered from “Catechism of the Catholic Church (Second Edition)”
