Whether This Sacrament Should Be Given to Man on the Forehead?
Objection 1: It seems that this sacrament should not be given to man
on the forehead. For this sacrament perfects Baptism, as stated above
(Q. 65, AA. 3, 4). But the sacrament of Baptism is given to man over
his whole body. Therefore this sacrament should not be given on the
forehead only.
Obj. 2: Further, this sacrament is given for spiritual strength, as
stated above (AA. 1, 2, 4). But spiritual strength is situated
principally in the heart. Therefore this sacrament should be given
over the heart rather than on the forehead.
Obj. 3: Further, this sacrament is given to man that he may freely
confess the faith of Christ. But "with the mouth, confession is made
unto salvation," according to Rom. 10:10. Therefore this sacrament
should be given about the mouth rather than on the forehead.
_On the contrary,_ Rabanus says (De Instit. Cleric. i): "The baptized
is signed by the priest with chrism on the top of the head, but by
the bishop on the forehead."
_I answer that,_ As stated above (AA. 1, 4), in this sacrament man
receives the Holy Ghost for strength in the spiritual combat, that he
may bravely confess the Faith of Christ even in face of the enemies
of that Faith. Wherefore he is fittingly signed with the sign of the
cross on the forehead, with chrism, for two reasons. First, because
he is signed with the sign of the cross, as a soldier with the sign
of his leader, which should be evident and manifest. Now, the
forehead, which is hardly ever covered, is the most conspicuous part
of the human body. Wherefore the confirmed is anointed with chrism on
the forehead, that he may show publicly that he is a Christian: thus
too the apostles after receiving the Holy Ghost showed themselves in
public, whereas before they remained hidden in the upper room.
Secondly, because man is hindered from freely confessing Christ's
name, by two things--by fear and by shame. Now both these things
betray themselves principally on the forehead on account of the
proximity of the imagination, and because the (vital) spirits mount
directly from the heart to the forehead: hence "those who are
ashamed, blush, and those who are afraid, pale" (Ethic. iv). And
therefore man is signed with chrism, that neither fear nor shame may
hinder him from confessing the name of Christ.
Reply Obj. 1: By baptism we are regenerated unto spiritual life,
which belongs to the whole man. But in Confirmation we are
strengthened for the combat; the sign of which should be borne on the
forehead, as in a conspicuous place.
Reply Obj. 2: The principle of fortitude is in the heart, but its
sign appears on the forehead: wherefore it is written (Ezech. 3:8):
"Behold I have made . . . thy forehead harder than their foreheads."
Hence the sacrament of the Eucharist, whereby man is confirmed in
himself, belongs to the heart, according to Ps. 103:15: "That bread
may strengthen man's heart." But the sacrament of Confirmation is
required as a sign of fortitude against others; and for this reason
it is given on the forehead.
Reply Obj. 3: This sacrament is given that we may confess freely: but
not that we may confess simply, for this is also the effect of
Baptism. And therefore it should not be given on the mouth, but on
the forehead, where appear the signs of those passions which hinder
free confession.
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