Christian Classics
‹ Summa Theologica

Thomas Aquinas · 3139 of 3516

Article. 3 - Whether this sacrament imprints a character?

Objection 1: It would seem that this imprints a character. For a character is a distinctive sign. Now just as one who is baptized is distinguished from one who is not so is one who is anointed, from one who is not. Therefore, just as Baptism imprints a character so does Extreme .

Objection 2: Further, there is an anointing in the or order and Confirmation, as there is in this . But a character is imprinted in those . Therefore a character is imprinted in this one also.

Objection 3: Further, every contains something that is a reality only, something that is a only, and something that is both reality and . Now nothing in this can be assigned as both reality and except a character. Therefore in this also, a character is imprinted.

On the contrary, No that imprints a character is repeated. But this is repeated as we shall state further on (Q[33]). Therefore it does not imprint a character.

Further, a character causes a distinction among those who are in the present Church. But Extreme is given to one who is departing from the present Church. Therefore it does not imprint a character.

I answer that, A character is not imprinted except in those whereby man is deputed to some sacred duty. Now this is for no other purpose than a remedy, and man is not deputed thereby to do or receive anything holy. Therefore it does not imprint a character.

Reply to Objection 1: A character marks a distinction of . states with regard to duties which have to be performed in the Church, a distinction which a man does not receive by being anointed.

Reply to Objection 2: The of orders and Confirmation, is the of whereby a man is deputed to some sacred duty, whereas this is remedial. Hence the comparison fails.

Reply to Objection 3: In this , that which is both reality and is not a character, but a certain inward devotion which is a kind of spiritual anointing.