§ II. On the Proximate Matter of Baptism

1253. - The proximate matter of Baptism is ablution, which can be done in three ways, namely by immersion, sprinkling, and pouring, according to the practice of diverse Churches (which practice, namely of pouring among us, must be observed under grave obligation), so that by the moral judgment of men the baptized person is judged to have been washed. This is clear from the words of the form, and from the perpetual practice of the Church, and also from Paul, Eph.:¹ Cleansing by the laver of water in the word of life.

1254. Questions. - Query 1° Can a child in the womb of the mother validly be baptized?

Resp. Affirmatively, sufficiently probably, if the child in the womb is reached by water by means of some instrument; because, since the infant already exists as a wayfaring man, he can validly be baptized. It stands in the way that the child is still enveloped in the afterbirth, whose exterior membrane is part of the mother. But more recently an instrument has been invented by which the afterbirth is cut open; and thus water, another instrument being employed, can come to touch immediately the body itself of the fetus. Yet he is to be baptized under condition, because it is not certainly established whether Baptism conferred in this way is valid. Therefore, if the child "has put forth the head" from the womb "and danger of death is imminent," or if he is born, he is to be baptized again under condition. - "But if he has put forth another member which indicates vital motion, let him be baptized in that member if danger threatens; and then, if he is born alive, he will have to be baptized under condition."¹ - But the Baptism of one not yet perfectly born, for the sake of decency, is to be conferred by a lay person, and, unless others are lacking, not by a priest.

Query 2° Is Baptism valid if the water only touches the garments or hairs of the one to be baptized?

Resp. 1° If the water touches only the garments, Baptism is certainly invalid; because thus no one would say that the man is washed. 2° But it is probably valid if the water touches the hairs. But in practice the safer part is to be followed.¹ - Hence if the one to be baptized is covered with hair, let the priest either divide his hair with the fingers of the left hand while with the right he pours water, or let him baptize him on the forehead.

Query 3° Is Baptism valid when conferred in another part than on the head?

Resp. Affirmatively, probably, especially if Baptism is conferred on some more principal part, for example on the breast, shoulders, etc. Nevertheless, if necessity has compelled this, afterward, if it can be done, Baptism would have to be repeated under condition.² Cf. the things said in this number, Query 1°.

Query 4° Does one or another drop of water suffice for baptizing?

Resp. Negatively, probably, especially if the water does not flow, because it cannot be called ablution, which is altogether required for Baptism. - Thus commonly. Nevertheless it is probably doubtful matter, which in a case of necessity would have to be employed. But they commonly say that the matter is then certain if the one baptizing with the motion of a moistened finger should wash a part of the body.³ - But there is no doubt that it is certainly valid if water sprinkled in sufficient quantity truly flows down; since Baptism is validly conferred by sprinkling. (Q) p. 416.

Query 5° Is a threefold ablution required for Baptism?

Resp. 1° Certainly it is not required for validity; for one suffices, that someone be judged truly washed.

Resp. 2° But it is required for liceity, and indeed under grave obligation, where this threefold pouring of water is prescribed, as in the Roman Ritual.⁴ Yet these things seem to be understood of solemn Baptism.