ARTICLE II: ON THE FORM OF CONFIRMATION

1272. - The form of the Sacrament of Confirmation consists in these words: I sign thee with the Sign of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the Chrism of salvation, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Thus Eugene IV defined in the cited Decree. - It is also established from the constant practice of the Church.

1273. - Query. Which words of this form are essential?

Resp. For validity the following are altogether essential: 1° the word I confirm, unless it is supplied by another synonymous word; 2° the expression of the Most Holy Trinity, as in Baptism; 3° the word thee, by which the subject of the Sacrament is designated; 4° the words I sign thee with the Sign of the Cross, and also the words with the Chrism of salvation. But to say I strengthen for I confirm, or of sanctification for of salvation, would be only an accidental change.¹