Whether Several Priests Can Consecrate One and the Same Host?
Objection 1: It seems that several priests cannot consecrate one and
the same host. For it was said above (Q. 67, A. 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.
Obj. 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.
Obj. 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 (A. 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 Obj. 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 Obj. 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 Obj. 3: The Eucharist is the sacrament of ecclesiastical unity,
which is brought about by many being "one in Christ."
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