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Objection 1: It seems that several priests cannot consecrate one and
the same host. For it was said above (Question 67, Article
6), that several cannot at the same time baptize one individual.
But the power of a priest consecrating is not less than that of a man
baptizing. Therefore, several priests cannot consecrate one host at
the same time.
Objection 2: Further, what can be done by one, is superfluously
done by several. But there ought to be nothing superfluous in the
sacraments. Since, then, one is sufficient for consecrating, it
seems that several cannot consecrate one host.
Objection 3: Further, as Augustine says (Tract. xxvi in
Joan.), this is "the sacrament of unity." But multitude seems to
be opposed to unity. Therefore it seems inconsistent with the
sacrament for several priests to consecrate the same host.
On the contrary, It is the custom of some Churches for priests newly
ordained to co-celebrate with the bishop ordaining them.
I answer that, As stated above (Article 1), when a priest is
ordained he is placed on a level with those who received consecrating
power from our Lord at the Supper. And therefore, according to the
custom of some Churches, as the apostles supped when Christ supped,
so the newly ordained co-celebrate with the ordaining bishop. Nor is
the consecration, on that account, repeated over the same host,
because as Innocent III says (De Sacr. Alt. Myst. iv), the
intention of all should be directed to the same instant of the
consecration.
Reply to Objection 1: We do not read of Christ baptizing with the
apostles when He committed to them the duty of baptizing; consequently
there is no parallel.
Reply to Objection 2: If each individual priest were acting in his
own power, then other celebrants would be superfluous, since one would
be sufficient. But whereas the priest does not consecrate except as in
Christ's stead; and since many are "one in Christ" (Gal.
3:28); consequently it does not matter whether this sacrament be
consecrated by one or by many, except that the rite of the Church must
be observed.
Reply to Objection 3: The Eucharist is the sacrament of
ecclesiastical unity, which is brought about by many being "one in
Christ."
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