ment, but also a sacrifice. Now whoever offers
sacrifice must be a sharer in the sacrifice, because the outward
sacrifice he offers is a sign of the inner sacrifice whereby he
offers himself to God, as Augustine says (De Civ. Dei x). Hence by
partaking of the sacrifice he shows that the inner one is likewise
his. In the same way also, by dispensing the sacrifice to the people
he shows that he is the dispenser of Divine gifts, of which he ought
himself to be the first to partake, as Dionysius says (Eccl. Hier.
iii). Consequently, he ought to receive before dispensing it to the
people. Accordingly we read in the chapter mentioned above (Twelfth
Council of Toledo, Can. v): "What kind of sacrifice is that wherein
not even the sacrificer is known to have a share?" But it is by
partaking of the sacrifice that he has a share in it, as the Apostle
says (1 Cor. 10:18): "Are not they that eat of the sacrifices,
partakers of the altar?" Therefore it is necessary for the priest, as
often as he consecrates, to receive this sacrament in its integrity.

Reply Obj. 1: The consecration of chrism or of anything else is not a
sacrifice, as the consecration of the Eucharist is: consequently
there is no parallel.

Reply Obj. 2: The sacrament of Baptism is accomplished in the use of
the matter, and consequently no one can baptize himself, because the
same person cannot be active and passive in a sacrament. Hence
neither in this sacrament does the priest consecrate himself, but he
consecrates the bread and wine, in which consecration the sacrament
is completed. But the use thereof follows the sacrament, and
therefore there is no parallel.

Reply Obj. 3: If Christ's body appears miraculously upon the altar
under the guise of flesh, or the blood under the guise of blood, it
is not to be received. For Jerome says upon Leviticus (cf. De
Consecr., dist. 2): "It is lawful to eat of this sacrifice which is
wonderfully performed in memory of Christ: but it is not lawful for
anyone to eat of that one which Christ offered on the altar of the
cross." Nor does the priest transgress on that account, because
miraculous events are not subject to human laws. Nevertheless the
priest would be well advised to consecrate again and receive the
Lord's body and blood.
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FIFTH ARTICLE [III, Q. 82, Art. 5]

Whether a Wicked Priest Can Consecrate the Eucharist?

Objection 1: It seems that a wicked priest cannot consecrate the
Eucharist.