losely
connected that they can nowise be separated save by death
intervening, nor can one be duly celebrated without the other."
Consequently the same seasons are fixed for the solemn celebration of
Baptism and of this sacrament. But since this sacrament is given only
by bishops, who are not always present where priests are baptizing,
it was necessary, as regards the common use, to defer the sacrament
of Confirmation to other seasons also.

Reply Obj. 2: The sick and those in danger of death are exempt from
this prohibition, as we read in the decree of the Council of Meaux.
And therefore, on account of the multitude of the faithful, and on
account of imminent dangers, it is allowed for this sacrament, which
can be given by none but a bishop, to be given or received even by
those who are not fasting: since one bishop, especially in a large
diocese, would not suffice to confirm all, if he were confined to
certain times. But where it can be done conveniently, it is more
becoming that both giver and receiver should be fasting.

Reply Obj. 3: According to the acts of the Council of Pope Martin,
"it was lawful at all times to prepare the chrism." But since solemn
Baptism, for which chrism has to be used, is celebrated on Easter
Eve, it was rightly decreed, that chrism should be consecrated by the
bishop two days beforehand, that it may be sent to the various parts
of the diocese. Moreover, this day is sufficiently appropriate to the
blessing of sacramental matter, since thereon was the Eucharist
instituted, to which, in a certain way, all the other sacraments are
ordained, as stated above (Q. 65, A. 3).
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QUESTION 73

OF THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
(In Six Articles)

We have now to consider the sacrament of the Eucharist; and first of
all we treat of the sacrament itself; secondly, of its matter;
thirdly, of its form; fourthly, of its effects; fifthly, of the
recipients of this sacrament; sixthly, of the minister; seventhly, of
the rite.

Under the first heading there are six points of inquiry:

(1) Whether the Eucharist is a sacrament?

(2) Whether it is one or several sacraments?

(3) Whether it is necessary for salvation?

(4) Its names;

(5) Its institution;

(6) Its figures.
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FIRST ARTICLE [III, Q. 73, Art. 1]

Whether the Eucharist Is a Sacrament?

Objection 1: It seems that the Eucharist is not a sacrament. For two
sacraments ought not to be orda