"Unquestionably they are," said the young priest confidently.
"They are not," replied the chairman. "The whole consensus of theologians is against you."
"For example?" said Father Irwin coolly.
"Wha-at?" said the chairman, taken quite aback.
"I doubt if all theologians are on your side," said Father Irwin. "Would you be pleased to name a few?"
"Certainly," said the chairman, with a pitying smile at this young man's presumption. "What do you think of Benedict XIV., Suarez, and St. Alphonsus?"
The young man didn't seem to be much crushed under the avalanche.
"They held that there should be reconsecration?"
"Certainly."
"Let me see. Do I understand you aright? The celebrant intends from the beginning to consecrate those particles?"