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Objection 1: It would seem that the character of Order does not
presuppose the character of Baptism. For the character of Order
makes a man a dispenser of the sacraments; while the character of
Baptism makes him a recipient of them. Now active power does not
necessarily presuppose passive power, for it can be without it, as in
God. Therefore the character of Order does not necessarily
presuppose the character of Baptism.
Objection 2: Further, it may happen that a man is not baptized,
and yet think with probability that he has been baptized. If therefore
such a person present himself for Orders, he will not receive the
character of Order, supposing the character of Order to presuppose
the character of Baptism; and consequently whatever he does by way of
consecration or absolution will be invalid, and the Church will be
deceived therein, which is inadmissible.
On the contrary, Baptism is the door of the sacraments. Therefore
since Order is a sacrament, it presupposes Baptism.
I answer that, No one can receive what he has not the power to
receive. Now the character of Baptism gives a man the power to
receive the other sacraments. Wherefore he that has not the baptismal
character, can receive no other sacrament; and consequently the
character of Order presupposes the character of Baptism.
Reply to Objection 1: In one who has active power of himself, the
active does not presuppose the passive power; but in one who has active
power from another, passive power, whereby he is enabled to receive
the active power, is prerequisite to active power.
Reply to Objection 2: Such a man if he be ordained to the
priesthood is not a priest, and he can neither consecrate, nor absolve
in the tribunal of Penance. Wherefore according to the canons he must
be baptized, and reordained (Extra De Presbyt. non Bapt., cap.
Si quis; cap. Veniens). And even though he be raised to the
episcopate, those whom he ordains receive not the Order. Yet it may
piously be believed that as regards the ultimate effects of the
sacraments, the High Priest will supply the defect, and that He
would not allow this to be so hidden as to endanger the Church.
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