What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

The biblical origin of these seven gifts is found in Isaiah (11:1-3) where he is foretelling the qualities of the Messiah. These seven gifts are the signs that the Messiah will be guided by the Spirit. Throughout the Gospels we see how these seven gifts form Jesus' personality and characterize his actions.

The relation of these gifts to the Sacrament of Confirmation becomes clear when we remember that the word Messiah (Christos in Greek) means "anointed." Jesus was "anointed," filled with the Holy Spirit at his baptism.

At Confirmation we are anointed with the Holy Spirit. The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are the manifestation of the Divine Power active in the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

So what are they? In the order recited in the Rite of Confirmation: [1] wisdom, [2] understanding, [3] right judgment, [4] courage, [5] knowledge, [6] reverence and [7] awe.