Section IV. On the Notation and Proof of Baptism Conferred

I. Notation. 1. Pastors must carefully and without any delay enter in the baptismal book the names of the baptized, with mention made of the minister, the parents and sponsors, and the place and day of the Baptism conferred (canon 777, § 1).

But where illegitimate children are concerned, the mother's name is to be inserted if her maternity is publicly established, or if she herself spontaneously asks this in writing or before two witnesses; likewise the name of the father, provided he himself spontaneously asks this of the pastor either in writing or before two witnesses, or is known from a public authentic document; in other cases the newborn is to be inscribed as the child of an unknown father or of unknown parents (canon 777, § 2). Moreover the Pontifical Commission responded¹ that the names of parents are to be inserted in such a way that every occasion of infamy is avoided; but in particular cases recourse must be had to the Sacred Congregation of the Council.

2. If Baptism was administered neither by the proper pastor nor in his presence, the minister should as soon as possible inform the pastor of the baptized person by reason of domicile concerning the Baptism conferred (canon 778). "If the baptized person lacks a domicile, the pastor of the quasi-domicile, or, if he was without fixed domicile, the pastor of the place of Baptism, seems to be the one to be informed."²

3. The use of the baptismal book is prescribed under grave obligation, regard being had, namely, to the grave end of the law, that is, the proof of Baptism received, which, if the baptismal register is lacking, would sometimes be impossible.

¹ 14 July 1922, reply to VIII (A.A.S. 1922, p. 528).

² Vermeersch-Creusen, Epitome, n. 55.

II. Proof. To prove Baptism conferred, if prejudice is done to no one, one witness beyond all exception suffices, or the oath of the baptized person himself, if he received Baptism in adult age (canon 779).