Thomas Aquinas · 3146 of 3516
Article. 3 - Whether this sacrament ought to be given to madmen and imbeciles?
Objection 1: It would seem that this should be given to madmen and imbeciles. For these diseases are full of danger and cause death quickly. Now when there is danger it is the time to apply the remedy. Therefore this , which was intended as a remedy to human weakness, should be given to such people.
Objection 2: Further, Baptism is a greater than this. Now Baptism is conferred on mad people as stated above (TP, Q[68], A[12]). Therefore this also should be given to them.
On the contrary, This should be given to none but such as acknowledge it. Now this does not apply to madmen and imbeciles. Therefore it should not be given to them.
I answer that, The devotion of the recipient, the personal merit of the minister, and the general merits of the whole Church, are of great account towards the reception of the effect of this . This is evident from the fact that the form of this is pronounced by way of a prayer. Hence it should not be given those who cannot acknowledge it, and especially to madmen and imbeciles, who might dishonor the by their offensive conduct, unless they have lucid intervals, when they would be capable of acknowledging the , for then the should be given to children the same in that state.
Reply to Objection 1: Although such people are sometimes in danger of death; yet the remedy cannot be applied to them, on account of their lack of devotion. Hence it should not be given to them.
Reply to Objection 2: Baptism does not require a movement of the free-will, because it is given chiefly as a remedy for , which, in us, is not taken away by a movement of the free-will. On the other hand this requires a movement of the free-will; the comparison fails. Moreover Baptism is a necessary , while Extreme is not.