Scholion II. On the Repetition of a Sacrament Doubtfully or Doubtfully Validly Conferred

We speak of the repetition of a sacrament which is done under this condition, or an equivalent one: If the former sacrament was not conferred, or was not validly conferred; and which therefore effects nothing if the former sacrament was validly conferred. Now:

I. It is illicit to repeat a sacrament under condition if the doubt about the ministration or its valid ministration lacks reasonable foundation. In the case, repetition is gravely illicit, because it is grave irreverence to repeat the sacramental rite without reason. Nevertheless, the scrupulous are excused from sin, at least grave sin; yet they must be seriously admonished to abstain from repeating the form. Likewise, it is venial uselessly to repeat the same word, by which manner of acting Christ is introduced as speaking ridiculously. Stammerers, however, are excused, provided that, as far as can be done, they try to pronounce the words rightly the first time.

II. It is licit to repeat the sacraments under condition if both a prudent doubt about ministration, or about valid ministration, exists, and the usefulness of one's neighbor recommends reception of the sacrament.

III. A sacrament must be repeated under condition if there is prudent doubt about the ministration or its validity, and reception of the sacrament is necessary by necessity of means or of precept; even more if the common good requires that the sacrament be certainly conferred validly. Moreover, the more necessary the sacrament is, the more easily a sufficient doubt is present.

Corollary I. The sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Order are to be repeated under condition if a prudent doubt exists whether they were really conferred or whether they were validly conferred (can. 732, § 1). If it is prudently doubted whether absolution was imparted or rightly pronounced, and the penitent is still sufficiently present, absolution must be repeated if there is question of a penitent constituted in mortal sin; otherwise it can at least be repeated.

Corollary II. Baptism, Order, absolution of one dying, and Extreme Unction conferred on one deprived of the senses must be repeated, even if the reason for doubting the validity of the former sacrament is slight.

Corollary III. It can happen that doubt about the ministration or the valid ministration of a sacrament, even a necessary one, is so slight that it can indeed be repeated, but need not be repeated. Thus, for example, to quiet anxiety Order could be repeated if the words of the form had been uttered immediately after the matter was placed.

Corollary IV. Finally, it can happen that a sacrament can and must be repeated several times under condition, for example that an infant must first be baptized while still existing in the womb; then, when some member has emerged, be rebaptized under condition; finally, once brought into the light, be rebaptized again under condition (n. 93; cf. can. 746, § 3).