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Objection 1: It would seem that the form of this sacrament should be
expressed by way of assertion rather than of petition. Because all the
sacraments of the New Law have a sure effect. But sureness of effect
is not expressed in the sacramental forms except by way of assertion,
as when we say: "This is My body" or "I baptize thee."
Therefore the form of this sacrament should be expressed as an
assertion.
Objection 2: Further, the intention of the minister should be
expressed in the sacramental forms because it is essential to the
sacrament. But the intention of conferring a sacrament is not
expressed except by an assertion. Therefore, etc.
Objection 3: Further, in some churches the following words are said
in the conferring of this sacrament: "I anoint these eyes with
consecrated oil in the name of the Father," etc., which is in
keeping with the forms of the other sacraments. Therefore it seems
that such is the form of this sacrament.
On the contrary, The form of a sacrament must needs be one that is
observed everywhere. Now the words employed according to the custom of
all the churches are not those quoted above, but take the form of a
petition viz.: "Through this holy unction, and His most tender
mercy, may the Lord pardon thee whatever sins thou hast committed, by
sight," etc. Therefore the form of this sacrament is expressed as a
petition.
Further, this seems to follow from the words of James, who ascribes
the effect of this sacrament to prayer: "The prayer of faith," says
he (5:15), "shall save the sick man." Since then a sacrament
takes its efficacy from its form, it seems that the form of this
sacrament is expressed as a petition.
I answer that, The form of this sacrament is expressed by way of a
petition, as appears from the words of James, and from the custom of
the Roman Church, who uses no other than words of supplication in
conferring this sacrament. Several reasons are assigned for this:
first, because the recipient of this sacrament is deprived of his
strength, so that he needs to be helped by prayers; secondly, because
it is given to the dying, who are on the point of quitting the courts
of the Church, and rest in the hands of God alone, for which reason
they are committed to Him by prayer; thirdly, because the effect of
this sacrament is not such that it always results from the minister's
prayer, even when all essentials have been duly observed, as is the
case with the character in Baptism and Confirmation,
transubstantiation in the Eucharist, remission of sin in Penance
(given contrition) which remission is essential to the sacrament of
Penance but not to this sacrament. Consequently the form of this
sacrament cannot be expressed in the indicative mood, as in the
sacraments just mentioned.
Reply to Objection 1: This sacrament, like the others mentioned,
considered in itself, is sure of its effect. yet this effect can be
hindered through the insincerity of the recipient (though by his
intention he submit to the sacrament), so that he receives no effect
at all. Hence there is no parity between this sacrament, and the
others wherein some effect always ensues.
Reply to Objection 2: The intention is sufficiently expressed by
the act which is mentioned in the form, viz.: "By this holy
unction."
Reply to Objection 3: These words in the indicative mood, which
some are wont to say before the prayer, are not the sacramental form,
but are a preparation for the form, in so far as they determine the
intention of the minister.
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