In the Classroom: Sacraments of Healing

In the Classroom

HIGHLIGHTING A COURSE FROM OUR RICH CURRICULUM

THEO 493: SACRAMENTS OF HEALING

BY OWEN VYNER, PhD

The final session of the Council of Trent Dr. Owen Vyner

In Fall 2020, a theology elective titled “Sacraments of Healing” is being offered for the first time. The subject presents an in-depth exposition of the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick.

We began with the scriptural foundations of these two sacraments and then proceeded to analyze the earliest historical references in Patristic period. The students found that despite the changes in the outward form of the sacraments, nevertheless, a profound continuity emerges in the Church’s teaching.

This continuity becomes especially apparent in St. Thomas Aquinas’ Summa theologiae when he brilliantly, and uniquely, synthesizes the entire tradition. St. Thomas proposed that, in Penance, both the actions of the penitent and priestly absolution constitute the sacramental sign. This synthesis finds affirmation in the Council of Trent’s decrees. The students wrote a research paper tracing the historical development of Penance and thus have been equipped to defend Church teaching against those who would call this continuity into question.

The second half of the subject examined the rites themselves. In taking this approach we drew upon the axiom of Prosper of Aquitaine: lex orandi-lex credendi. In essence, this statement asserts that Church believes as she prays. Thus, we turn to the sacramental liturgies to discuss the grace effected by their celebration.

We also looked at contemporary issues including that of the seal of confession (this is especially pertinent as several countries are looking to remove legal protections surrounding confession); is surgery in itself a reason for anointing; and are confessions by Zoom valid?

The course concluded with a reflection on the virtue of penance as a means of enriching one’s participation in the Sacrament. It is hoped that such a deeply theological analysis of these sacraments will provide our students with the intellectual and spiritual tools in their vocation to restore all things in Christ.