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Objection 1: It seems that the rite of this sacrament is not
appropriate. For the sacrament of Baptism is of greater necessity
than this, as stated above (Article 2, ad 4; Question 65,
Articles 3,4). But certain seasons are fixed for Baptism, viz.
Easter and Pentecost. Therefore some fixed time of the year should
be chosen for this sacrament.
Objection 2: Further, just as this sacrament requires devotion both
in the giver and in the receiver, so also does the sacrament of
Baptism. But in the sacrament of Baptism it is not necessary that it
should be received or given fasting. Therefore it seems unfitting for
the Council of Orleans to declare that "those who come to
Confirmation should be fasting"; and the Council of Meaux, "that
bishops should not give the Holy Ghost with imposition of the hand
except they be fasting."
Objection 3: Further, chrism is a sign of the fulness of the Holy
Ghost, as stated above (Article 2). But the fulness of the Holy
Ghost was given to Christ's faithful on the day of Pentecost, as
related in Acts 2:1. Therefore the chrism should be mixed and
blessed on the day of Pentecost rather than on Maundy Thursday.
On the contrary, Is the use of the Church, who is governed by the
Holy Ghost.
I answer that, Our Lord promised His faithful (Mt. 18:20)
saying: "Where there are two or three gathered together in My name,
there am I in the midst of them." And therefore we must hold firmly
that the Church's ordinations are directed by the wisdom of Christ.
And for this reason we must look upon it as certain that the rite
observed by the Church, in this and the other sacraments, is
appropriate.
Reply to Objection 1: As Pope Melchiades says (Ep. ad Epis.
Hispan.), "these two sacraments," viz. Baptism and
Confirmation, "are so closely connected that they can nowise be
separated save by death intervening, nor can one be duly celebrated
without the other." Consequently the same seasons are fixed for the
solemn celebration of Baptism and of this sacrament. But since this
sacrament is given only by bishops, who are not always present where
priests are baptizing, it was necessary, as regards the common use,
to defer the sacrament of Confirmation to other seasons also.
Reply to Objection 2: The sick and those in danger of death are
exempt from this prohibition, as we read in the decree of the Council
of Meaux. And therefore, on account of the multitude of the
faithful, and on account of imminent dangers, it is allowed for this
sacrament, which can be given by none but a bishop, to be given or
received even by those who are not fasting: since one bishop,
especially in a large diocese, would not suffice to confirm all, if he
were confined to certain times. But where it can be done
conveniently, it is more becoming that both giver and receiver should
be fasting.
Reply to Objection 3: According to the acts of the Council of
Pope Martin, "it was lawful at all times to prepare the chrism."
But since solemn Baptism, for which chrism has to be used, is
celebrated on Easter Eve, it was rightly decreed, that chrism should
be consecrated by the bishop two days beforehand, that it may be sent
to the various parts of the diocese. Moreover, this day is
sufficiently appropriate to the blessing of sacramental matter, since
thereon was the Eucharist instituted, to which, in a certain way,
all the other sacraments are ordained, as stated above (Question
65, Article 3).
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