What place does Confirmation have in the divine plan of salvation?

In the Old Testament the prophets announced that the Spirit of the Lord would rest on the awaited Messiah and on the entire messianic people. The whole life and mission of Jesus were carried out in total communion with the Holy Spirit.  The apostles received the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and proclaimed "the great works of God" (Acts 2:11).  They gave the gift of the same Spirit to the newly baptised by laying on of hands.  Down through the centuries, the Church has continued to live by the Spirit and to impart him to her children. Cf. (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 265).

What is the effect of Confirmation?

The effect of Confirmation is a special outpouring of the Holy Spirit like that of Pentecost.  The outpouring impresses on the soul an indelible character and produces a growth in the grace of Baptism.  It roots the recipient more deeply in divine sonship, binds him more firmly to Christ and to the Church and reinvigorates the gifts of the Holy Spirit in his soul. It gives a special strength to witness to the Christian faith. Cf. (Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church 268).

Children around the world will receive this wonderful Sacrament.  Let us remember them all in our prayers. May they be filled with God's Holy Spirit and be open to the many gifts he bestows on them.