Thomas Aquinas · 3141 of 3516
Article. 2 - Whether deacons can confer this sacrament?
Objection 1: It would seem that deacons can confer this . For, according to Dionysius (Eccl. Hier. v) "deacons have the power to cleanse." Now this was instituted precisely to cleanse from sickness of the mind and body. Therefore deacons also can confer it.
Objection 2: Further, Baptism is a more excellent than the one of which we are speaking. But deacons can baptize, as instanced by the Blessed Laurence. Therefore they can confer this also.
On the contrary, It is written (James 5:14): "Let him bring in the priests of the Church."
I answer that, A deacon has the power to cleanse but not to enlighten. Hence, since enlightenment is an effect of , no whereby is conferred can be given by a deacon in virtue of his office: and so he cannot confer this , since is bestowed therein.
Reply to Objection 1: This cleanses by enlightening through the bestowal of : a deacon is not competent to confer it.
Reply to Objection 2: This is not a necessary , as Baptism is. Hence its bestowal is not committed to all in cases of necessity, but only to those who are competent to do so in virtue of their office. Nor are deacons competent to baptize in virtue of their office.