led: because some machination of the enemy is apparent on
account of the sin committed there. And for this reason we read in
the same distinction: "Wherever you find churches of the Arians,
consecrate them as Catholic churches without delay by means of devout
prayers and rites." Hence, too, it is that some say with probability,
that by entering a consecrated church one obtains forgiveness of
venial sins, just as one does by the sprinkling of holy water;
alleging the words of Ps. 84:2, 3: "Lord, Thou hast blessed Thy land
. . . Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of Thy people." And therefore,
in consequence of the virtue acquired by a church's consecration, the
consecration is never repeated. Accordingly we find in the same
distinction the following words quoted from the Council of Nicaea:
"Churches which have once been consecrated, must not be consecrated
again, except they be devastated by fire, or defiled by shedding of
blood or of anyone's seed; because, just as a child once baptized in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, ought
not to be baptized again, so neither ought a place, once dedicated to
God, to be consecrated again, except owing to the causes mentioned
above; provided that the consecrators held faith in the Holy
Trinity": in fact, those outside the Church cannot consecrate. But,
as we read in the same distinction: "Churches or altars of doubtful
consecration are to be consecrated anew."

And since they acquire special spiritual virtue from their
consecration, we find it laid down in the same distinction that "the
beams of a dedicated church ought not to be used for any other
purpose, except it be for some other church, or else they are to be
burned, or put to the use of brethren in some monastery: but on no
account are they to be discarded for works of the laity." We read
there, too, that "the altar covering, chair, candlesticks, and veil,
are to be burned when warn out; and their ashes are to be placed in
the baptistery, or in the walls, or else cast into the trenches
beneath the flag-stones, so as not to be defiled by the feet of those
that enter."

Reply Obj. 4: Since the consecration of the altar signifies Christ's
holiness, and the consecration of a house the holiness of the entire
Church, therefore the consecration of a church or of an altar is more
fittingly commemorated. And on this account the solemnity of a church
dedication is observed for eight days, in order to signify