CCC 1242 - Post-baptismal anointing

[tjw163]

I was reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1242 and #1291), and I got confused about the purpose of “the anointing that takes place after baptism” (the words in quotes are intentionally phrased this way, and they are strictly my mode of expression).

It seems that that the Roman Catholic Church (i.e. Latin Rite) believes that “the anointing that takes place after baptism” merely “announces a second anointing with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the bishop–Confirmation, which will as it were ‘confirm’ and complete the baptismal anointing” (CCC 1242). It merely “signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ” (CCC 1291).

It seems that the Eastern Churches (presumably including the Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome) believe that “the anointing that takes place after baptism” IS Chrismation (or what Roman Catholics would call “Confirmation”).

After this lengthy intro, here is my essential question:
Is there something substantially different–in form, matter, or some other distinction of which I am unaware–that makes the exact same anointing at the exact same time a sacrament for the East and a non-sacrament (or more positively stated, a “symbol”) for the West? In both cases, it seems that an ordained Priest (but not a Bishop) is performing the same exact action (i.e. anointing) at the exact same time (i.e. immediately after Baptism); in the East, the newly-baptized person leaves with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, but in the West, he does not. Perhaps there is a difference in the words prayed at the time of the anointing? Or perhaps a difference in the physical action performed by the Priest?

Can anyone help me figure this out?

Many thanks and Advent blessings!
~Tim

 

[Phemie]

There is a different action by the priest/bishop. The post-baptismal anointing is to be on the crown of the head, the Confirmation anointing is on the forehead.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I was reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church (#1242 and #1291), and I got confused about the purpose of “the anointing that takes place after baptism” (the words in quotes are intentionally phrased this way, and they are strictly my mode of expression).

It seems that that the Roman Catholic Church (i.e. Latin Rite) believes that “the anointing that takes place after baptism” merely “announces a second anointing with sacred chrism to be conferred later by the bishop–Confirmation, which will as it were ‘confirm’ and complete the baptismal anointing” (CCC 1242). It merely “signifies the participation of the one baptized in the prophetic, priestly, and kingly offices of Christ” (CCC 1291).

It seems that the Eastern Churches (presumably including the Eastern Catholic Churches in communion with Rome) believe that “the anointing that takes place after baptism” IS Chrismation (or what Roman Catholics would call “Confirmation”).

After this lengthy intro, here is my essential question:
Is there something substantially different–in form, matter, or some other distinction of which I am unaware–that makes the exact same anointing at the exact same time a sacrament for the East and a non-sacrament (or more positively stated, a “symbol”) for the West? In both cases, it seems that an ordained Priest (but not a Bishop) is performing the same exact action (i.e. anointing) at the exact same time (i.e. immediately after Baptism); in the East, the newly-baptized person leaves with the fullness of the Holy Spirit, but in the West, he does not. Perhaps there is a difference in the words prayed at the time of the anointing? Or perhaps a difference in the physical action performed by the Priest?

Can anyone help me figure this out?

Many thanks and Advent blessings!
~Tim

The difference is called Sacramental Intent. In the Eastern Church the Priest Intends to Charismate the child or person.
In the Latin Church the priest does not intend to celebarte the Sacrament of Confirmation. The specific words of the Sacramental FORM I would not think are not the same either.

 

[Brendan]

The difference is called Sacramental Intent. In the Eastern Church the Priest Intends to Charismate the child or person.
In the Latin Church the priest does not intend to celebarte the Sacrament of Confirmation. The specific words of the Sacramental FORM I would not think are not the same either.

That is correct, the Form used in each case is completely different.

Ours is simply a sign of what already happened at Baptism, the Eastern practice is the Sacrament of Chrismation\Confirmation.