sacramental formula

He may also, in accordance with local culture and traditions, and the needs of the sick person, anoint other parts of the body, but without repeating the sacramental formula.

The priest then assigns a penance and imparts absolution in the name of the Trinity, on behalf of Christ Himself, using a fixed sacramental formula:

Sacramental formulas in Christian worship were effective, not because any power resided in the words themselves, but because God had promised a certain effect only if such words were pronounced.