Case 1. Baptism at Death

Caius, a missionary in southern Africa, had instructed Titius in the Catholic faith, which Titius indeed believed to be true; nevertheless, he was unwilling to embrace it before death. “I wish to be baptized before death,” he used to say, “so that I may die a Christian, although I cannot live as a Christian.” After a few years, Caius, hearing that Titius was dying, hastened to him and, finding him deprived of his senses, baptized him. Afterwards, however, Titius recovered and was unwilling to admit that he was a Christian. Caius therefore asks whether he ought to baptize Titius again if he should at some time be placed in danger of death. Hence it is asked:

1. What conditions are required on the part of the subject for the validity of Baptism?

2. What conditions are required on the part of the subject for the lawfulness of Baptism?

3. Can or ought Baptism to be repeated, at least conditionally?

4. What is to be said of the case?

1. What conditions are required for the validity of baptism on the part of the recipient?

The only condition on the part of the recipient who has the use of reason that is requisite for the validity ot Baptism is a wish to be baptized. An habitual wish is sufficient. In such as have never had the use of reason, not even this wish is required for the validity of the sacrament.¹

1 Manual of Moral Theology, vol. ii, p. 62.

2. What conditions are required on the part of the recipient for the lawful reception of Baptism?

Faith, hope, and at least attrition for sin are necessary dispositions for the lawful reception of Baptism.²

2 Ibid., p. 62.

3. May Baptism be repeated or ought it to be repeated at least under condition?

Baptism may and should be repeated, under condition whenever there is prudent doubt whether a person has been validly baptized. Otherwise it should not be repeated.³

3 Ibid., p. 63.

4. The case. Titius had expressed a wish to be baptized before death. He must be presumed to have intended to procure Baptism when he was in danger of death, as he could not wait till he knew whether death in reality ensued or not. Caius, then, acted according to his express will when he baptized him on finding him out of his senses and in danger of death. The Baptism was therefore valid though afterward Titius would not acknowledge his obligations, and it should not be repeated if he again falls into the danger of death.