presume to say mass except in
places consecrated by the bishop." And furthermore because pagans and
other unbelievers are not members of the Church, therefore we read
(De Consecr., dist. 1): "It is not lawful to bless a church in which
the bodies of unbelievers are buried, but if it seem suitable for
consecration, then, after removing the corpses and tearing down the
walls or beams, let it be rebuilt. If, however, it has been already
consecrated, and the faithful lie in it, it is lawful to celebrate
mass therein." Nevertheless in a case of necessity this sacrament can
be performed in houses which have not been consecrated, or which have
been profaned; but with the bishop's consent. Hence we read in the
same distinction: "We deem that masses are not to be celebrated
everywhere, but in places consecrated by the bishop, or where he
gives permission." But not without a portable altar consecrated by
the bishop: hence in the same distinction we read: "We permit that,
if the churches be devastated or burned, masses may be celebrated in
chapels, with a consecrated altar." For because Christ's holiness is
the fount of all the Church's holiness, therefore in necessity a
consecrated altar suffices for performing this sacrament. And on this
account a church is never consecrated without consecrating the altar.
Yet sometimes an altar is consecrated apart from the church, with the
relics of the saints, "whose lives are hidden with Christ in God"
(Col. 3:3). Accordingly under the same distinction we read: "It is
our pleasure that altars, in which no relics of saints are found
enclosed, be thrown down, if possible, by the bishops presiding over
such places."

Reply Obj. 3: The church, altar, and other like inanimate things are
consecrated, not because they are capable of receiving grace, but
because they acquire special spiritual virtue from the consecration,
whereby they are rendered fit for the Divine worship, so that man
derives devotion therefrom, making him more fitted for Divine
functions, unless this be hindered by want of reverence. Hence it is
written (2 Macc. 3:38): "There is undoubtedly in that place a certain
power of God; for He that hath His dwelling in the heavens is the
visitor, and the protector of that place."

Hence it is that such places are cleansed and exorcised before being
consecrated, that the enemy's power may be driven forth. And for the
same reason churches defiled by shedding of blood or seed are
reconci