Baptism by Desire or Blood

[Dan_Daly]

I am curious regarding Baptism by Desire and Baptism by Blood. These ideas are written about in the CCC and are also mentioned in the Catechism “My Catholic Faith” which was written in the 1950s. When I look at “The Catechism in Pictures” from 1907 or the Catechism of the Council of Trent, I don’t see any mention of either. Now that doesn’t automatically mean the ideas weren’t around when those Catechisms were written, simply that they are not in the books.

So I am curious about the history of these ideas in Church teaching. Both seem to be presented as hypotheticals- that we may hope that a person may be baptized by blood or by desire- but the ideas are not taught as saying that it DOES happen, that we know for sure.

A reading of the earlier catechisms, where Baptism by blood and desire are not mentioned, seems to say that one needs a sacramental baptism in order to obtain salvation.

Thanks for any help.

Pax and God Bless.

 

[JM3]

Roman Catechism (Trent)

Baptism Of Adults

With regard to those of adult age who enjoy the perfect use of reason, persons, namely, born of infidel parents, the practice of the primitive Church points out that a different manner of proceeding should be followed. To them the Christian faith is to be proposed; and they are earnestly to be exhorted, persuaded and invited to embrace it.

They Should Not Delay Their Baptism Unduly

If converted to the Lord God, they are then to be admonished not to defer the Sacrament of Baptism beyond the time prescribed by the Church. For since it is written, delay not to be converted to the Lord, and defer it not from day to day, they are to be taught that in their regard perfect conversion consists in regeneration by Baptism. Besides, the longer they defer Baptism, the longer are they deprived of the use and graces of the other Sacraments, by which the Christian religion is practised, since the other Sacraments are accessible through Baptism only.

They are also deprived of the abundant fruits of Baptism, the waters of which not only wash away all the stains and defilements of past sins, but also enrich us with divine grace which enables us to avoid sin for the future and preserve righteousness and innocence, which constitute the sum of a Christian life, as all can easily understand.

Ordinarily They Are Not Baptised At Once

On adults, however, the Church has not been accustomed to confer the Sacrament of Baptism at once, but has ordained that it be deferred for a certain time. The delay is not attended with the same danger as in the case of infants, which we have already mentioned; should any unforeseen accident make it impossible for adults to be washed in the salutary waters, their intention and determination to receive Baptism and their repentance for past sins, will avail them to grace and righteousness.

 

[Dan_Daly]

Thank you. It’s amazing how something can hide right in front of you.

Pax.

 

[Aelred_Minor]

Check out the 1913 Catholic Encyclopedia here:

oce.catholic.com/index.php?title=Baptism

Look especially at the section “SUBSTITUTES FOR THE SACRAMENT” about halfway down the article.