Author Topic: Question about Baptism (Read 3051 times)

Cantarella · « **on:** December 06, 2013, 11:53:15 PM »

Is it possible to baptize an unconscious and dying non-Catholic without any previous show of willingness?

What is the Catholic teaching on that?

I know that Catholics in frequent contact with the dying such as nurses, were encouraged to baptize the Non-Catholic dying person even if they were unconscious (think, for example the dead wounded in battle). So regardless of the willingness of the person, it seems possible to baptize a Non Catholic adult right before dying?

poche · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2013, 12:01:27 AM »

From the Code of Canon Law;
864 §2. An adult in danger of death can be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, the person has manifested in any way at all the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion.

868 §2. An infant of Catholic parents or even of non-Catholic parents is baptized licitly in danger of death even against the will of the parents.

Can. 869 §1. If there is a doubt whether a person has been baptized or whether baptism was conferred validly and the doubt remains after a serious investigation, baptism is to be conferred conditionally.

§2. Those baptized in a non-Catholic ecclesial community must not be baptized conditionally unless, after an examination of the matter and the form of the words used in the conferral of baptism and a consideration of the intention of the baptized adult and the minister of the baptism, a serious reason exists to doubt the validity of the baptism.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM

poche · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2013, 12:09:32 AM »

Is it possible to baptize an unconscious and dying non-Catholic without any previous show of willingness?

With respect to an adult that would not be correct. Canon Law requires that teh person have some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, and that the person has manifested in any way at all the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion.

Neil Obstat · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2013, 01:01:17 AM »

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If the case is known, and the dying adult manifestly did not want any baptism, then when he is comatose or unconscious, it would not be advisable. HOWEVER, if there is any chance that he might have changed his mind, or, if a family member deeply desires to give the dying person every chance possible, or, if the dying person's disposition toward being baptized is not clearly known, or any other such circuмstance, there should not be any reason to forbid a CONDITIONAL Baptism.

The conditional baptism could be given with the intention that in the off chance that this dying person for whatever reason, at this time, wishes to be baptized, then, let this baptism be for that purpose, but if he does NOT want to be baptized, even given that we do not know this to be the case, then let this baptism be not effective.

And put the whole case into the hands of God, Who knows all things.

The form could be, "I conditionally baptize thee (insert name), in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost," making sure water is moving over the skin during mention of each of the three persons.

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Neil Obstat · « **Reply #4 on:** December 07, 2013, 01:20:49 AM »

The cement dried, as usual.

The same person must speak the words and at the same time, pour the water.

There could be exceptions, such as the water is being poured on the dying person already, but the person speaking the words cannot reach the dying person to pour water, in which case the person speaking the words should desire to do what the Church does even though he can't pour the water. It's a long shot, but it's better than giving up. Or, what if there is no water? Then pour some sand or something, and say a prayer -- maybe it will turn into water as you pour it!!

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