Section VII. On the Insane and the Furious

I. The insane and the furious who are such from birth, or at least before attaining the use of reason, are to be baptized, even against the will of their parents insofar as prudence permits it (cf. canon 754, § 1; n. 99). Those who became insane or furious after the use of reason are to be treated as adults, and therefore cannot be baptized unless, before they became insane, they had the desire of receiving Baptism; but if it is certain or probable, even slightly, that this took place, they are to be baptized when danger of death is imminent (canon 754, § 3), or even during the course of life if it is rightly feared that, when danger of death is imminent, Baptism will be omitted.

II. Those who have lucid intervals, while they are in possession of their mind, are to be baptized if they wish (canon 754, § 2). They are also to be baptized, as was said concerning other insane persons, when danger of death is imminent, if before they became insane they showed a desire of receiving Baptism (canon 754, § 3).

III. One who labors under lethargy or frenzy is to be baptized only when awake and willing; but if danger of death threatens, let the things said concerning the insane and concerning those who have lucid intervals be observed (canon 754, § 4).