In the Catholic Church, what is the explanation for having, and the history behind Principal Co-Consecrators?
score:1
By tradition only one validly ordained bishop is sufficient for an valid episcopal ordination. However the presence of two more bishops this is seen as symbolical to the collegiality of the episcopate. Also it has a practical side to it, that is the church is undoubtedly assured of the validity of the ordination, as three bishops participateSee note 1 in an Ordination Which requires only one of them for validity. (New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law Canon 1012 - By John P. Beal)
Who decreed it and when?
The first decree regarding this is found in First Council of Nicæa - Canon 4:
It is by all means proper that a bishop should be appointed by all the bishops in the province; but should this be difficult, either on account of urgent necessity or because of distance, three at least should meet together, and the suffrages of the absent [bishops] also being given and communicated in writing, then the ordination should take place. But in every province the ratification of what is done should be left to the Metropolitan.
It is clear from the above text that it was a preexisting tradition that more than one bishop were present during an episcopal ordination. This practice continues to the present day.
Note 1:
There has been issues raised regarding the functionality of the Co-Consecrators.
Do the co-consecrators equally with the consecrator impart the sacrament to the candidate? Beyond the possibility of a doubt they are not witnesses only but co-operators. They are not mere witnesses to the fact that the consecration has taken place, but, by taking part in it, make themselves responsible for its taking place. It is not easy to see how the assistant bishops can be said to comply with the essentials of a sacramental administration. - Catholic Encyclopedia
In the current Rite of Ordination of a Bishop, all the bishop who are present participate in Laying on of Hands and during Prayer of Consecration say these words with the principal consecrator:
So now pour out upon this chosen one the power that is from you, the governing Spirit whom you gave to your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, the Spirit given by him to his holy apostles, who founded the Church in every place to be your temple for the unceasing glory and praise of your name.
These both satisfy the requirements of form and matter for the sacrament.
More post
- 📝 How do Unitarian see the Problem of sharing YHWHs Honor with the Son? Isaiah 48:11 and John 5:23
- 📝 Can we conclude that there is food and drink in heaven because Jesus ate and drank after the resurrection?
- 📝 When and why did the Catholic Church first start issuing annulments?
- 📝 Does a priest have to consume the Eucharist no matter the state of his soul?
- 📝 What is an overview of conditional Biblical promises for truth seekers that can be empirically tested in their lifetime?
- 📝 According to Catholicism, is it unlawful to cause others to work on Sunday?
- 📝 Is there a Christian name of the Destroyer Angel?
- 📝 Calvinists: How to avoid justification from eternity?
- 📝 A set of traits common for all protestant believers
- 📝 Are birthday celebrations ungodly?
- 📝 In Canada, is it true that when Mormons first arrived (1887) they weren't allowed to settle within 50km of Lethbridge?
- 📝 Are the Seven Sorrows of Mary the seven pillars in Proverbs 9:1?
- 📝 What important Mormon doctrines are taught in the book of Mormon that we couldn't find in the Bible already?
- 📝 Is the "belly of a who*e" phrase from the Bible?
- 📝 Why hasn't the Republic of Ireland returned Anglican church properties to the Catholic Church?
- 📝 When did tradition become first used as Tradition?
- 📝 What is the "eschatological tension"
- 📝 Does Christianity provide the right elements for democracy?
- 📝 Could Satan have created the "World"?
- 📝 What did Pilate mean by asking "What is truth?"
- 📝 What are the biblical references and Catholic Church teachings that supported the phrase "Mary is God's dream"?
- 📝 What Apostles-Creed affirming groups claim priesthood of Melchizidek?
- 📝 What was the point of the laws written to the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia?
- 📝 Sisters giving the concluding talk in a sacrament meeting, where did my source go?
- 📝 Was Modalism (or "modalistic language") ever considered to not contradict orthodox trinitarian beliefs?
- 📝 What spirit(s) is referred to in 1 John 4?
- 📝 How do 'soul sleep' adherents explain reports of personal experiences with deceased saints, friends and relatives by Catholics and other Christians?
- 📝 Did Jesus say "My people perish for lack of knowledge"?
- 📝 What's the difference between resurrection and reincarnation?
- 📝 Was the first Christian community a model for Religious Orders?
Source: stackoverflow.com
Search Posts
Related post
- 📝 In the Catholic Church, what is the explanation for having, and the history behind Principal Co-Consecrators?
- 📝 Since when did the Catholic church accept Protestant baptism, and what was the original rationale for accepting?
- 📝 What is the history and explanation as to why the "diaconate" was MIA in the Western Church over a certain period of time?
- 📝 What does the Roman Catholic church teach about those who die having never heard of Christ?
- 📝 What are the requirements for joining the Catholic church as an adult?
- 📝 Does the Catholic Church teach that it has the authority to change what is morally right and wrong?
- 📝 What does the LDS Church teach about Jesus being married, having children, and His position on polygamy?
- 📝 Does the Catholic Church have a contingency plan for the case that the pope and all cardinals are dead?
- 📝 What is the biblical and traditional support for the Catholic Marian devotion?
- 📝 What rules does the Catholic Church have for venerating crosses/crucifixes on Good Friday?
- 📝 What paths exist in the Catholic Church for a certain theological position to become recognized as dogma?
- 📝 What is the origin and basis for the Catholic teaching regarding Mary's vow of celibacy prior to her betrothal?
- 📝 What plausible explanation can we find for the points of contact between Moses in the Pearl of Great Price and the Book of Enoch?
- 📝 What is the biblical basis for the Catholic and Eastern doctrines of the Assumption of Mary?
- 📝 What is the Catholic explanation for temptation?
- 📝 What does the Catholic Church require for a parent's name to appear on the child's baptism certificate?
- 📝 Is it in anyway lawfully possible for the Catholic Church to one day recognize the Anglican Church as having valid orders?
- 📝 What is the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and what power do they have?
- 📝 How do Protestantism and the LDS Church differ as to what is required for a believer to attain salvation and eternal life?
- 📝 What are the Catholic arguments for God having a free will?
- 📝 What is the Catholic understanding and explanation regarding Num 11:25?
- 📝 What explanation did the Catholic Church give regarding the incorruptible bodies?
- 📝 In light of the many changes in regulations, what is the purpose of the Roman Catholic altar and is it neccessary for a valid Mass?
- 📝 What is the biblical basis for distinguishing between spiritual gifts and church offices?
- 📝 What is the Catholic Church's interpretation of 'hunger and thirst for righteousness'?
- 📝 When was it claimed for the first time in Church history that the offices of apostle and prophet have ceased?
- 📝 What are the requirements for a church to be accepted into the Catholic Church?
- 📝 If the Catholic Church teaches "babies and bonding", is having sex at an old age a sin?
- 📝 What must we do if the vast majority of the members of the Catholic Church here on earth profess heresy and are thus excommunicate?
- 📝 What is the basis for saying that the Catholic Church is the largest charitable organization in the world?
