Baptism without consent?

[Angeluzza]

I have a friend who, in the last decade or so, has become heavily involved in truly evil practices. I am no longer close with him as a result, but I do see him from time to time.

I have watched him go steadily downhill as a result of his evil beliefs. Recently, he tried to kill himself and was talking completely insane. He has developed the most neurotic thoughts, thinks people are out to kill him, etc. I know that this has so much to do with his evil practices whereby he calls down evil on himself.

I have had a mass said for him, and others are praying. But then I thought to myself, perhaps this spiritual warfare would be far more effective if he was baptized (he does not come from a Christian background.)

I know of a girl who claimed she had her sister baptize her. She says she did research and that anyone can baptize someone. So I know this probably sounds so far out, but I was thinking if I could somehow baptize him without him knowing it…I could toss some holy water on him and say a silent prayer or something.

But I have no idea if a) I actually can baptize a person (I always thought a priest had to) or b) if the baptism would count if it was against a persons will and they did not know about it. (He would freak out if he knew. He is against all things Christian.)

Thanks so much for any advice or help in advance!

 

[1ke]

But I have no idea if a) I actually can baptize a person (I always thought a priest had to) or

See this section of canon law.

The bishop, priest or deacon is the ordinary minister of baptism. However, because baptism is the mean by which we enter the Church and remit Original Sin, the Church provides for others to be able to baptize under certain conditions. One should not do so unless one meets the criteria outlined in canon law.

b) if the baptism would count if it was against a persons will and they did not know about it. (He would freak out if he knew. He is against all things Christian.)

It most certainly is not licit to baptize a person without their knowledge and consent:

Can. 865 §1. For an adult to be baptized, the person must have manifested the intention to receive baptism, have been instructed sufficiently about the truths of the faith and Christian obligations, and have been tested in the Christian life through the catechumenate. The adult is also to be urged to have sorrow for personal sins.

§2. An adult in danger of death can be baptized if, having some knowledge of the principal truths of the faith, the person has manifested in any way at all the intention to receive baptism and promises to observe the commandments of the Christian religion.

 

[Angeluzza]

Thank you so much for the reply. I figured it was probably pretty out there as an idea

 

[NPC]

Hi Angeluzza,

If you examine the Code of Canon Law which is freely available on the Vatican website - www.vatican.va - you will see that there are a number of reasons why your friend cannot be baptised by you, or judging by what you have told us, a priest.

Canon 865:1 states that “for and adult to be baptised, the person must have manifested the intention to receive baptism, have been instructed sufficiently about the truths of the faith and Christian obligations…and [they are] urged to have sorrow for their personal sins.” This rules out a “secret” baptism of simply pouring holy water on him.

Canon 861:1 states that “the ordinary minister of baptism is a bishop, a presbyter or a deacon…” - the following canon deals with extraordinary cases where a priest is absent and the bishop may designate a catechist or someone else for the function. Thus you yourself are not permitted to baptise your friend.

Looking at Canon 863, it seems that to have your friend baptised the case would have to be given to the bishop (assuming that your friend is over 14).

So to your questions - a) you cannot baptise your friend and b) if you did, it would not count. There is an exception, however, in the absence of a priest and where a person is in danger of death, water may be poured over the person’s head by a lay person while pronouncing the Trinitarian Formula.

I think the best thing you can do spiritually is to pray for your friend and you may continue to Masses celebrated for him. Prayer is an immensely strong force against evil, but your friend cannot be baptised until he himself is willing to renounce (as the baptismal vow goes) Satan, and all his works and empty promises… You and your friend will be in our prayers.

 

[Angeluzza]

Thank you for the reply, and the prayers I appreciate it very much - very informative on the part of both replies. No secret baptisms from me

 

[Monica37]

I might just add from a mental health perspective, it sounds like your friend may be in need of a psychiatric exam. These symptoms sound to me like some type of psychosis. Just a thought. I used to work in mental health and the things you are describing would have sent up MAJOR red flags, bells, and a whole brass band for me. Keep praying for him because if it is a mental illness, he will need just as many prayers as will his family.

 

[Aramis]

The requirements for valid (as opposed to licit, or “permitted”) were established in one of the early ecumenical councils:

1. The person being baptized had to either be willing or a child of willing parents/guardians
2. The baptism had to be with water
3. the baptism had to include the phrase “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and Holy Spirit” (or equivalent translation from the greek)
4. The person baptizing had to intend to baptize.

The council did not require that the person be ordained, nor even christian.

That decision is the fundamental basis for validity of baptism.

Licity is a wholly different thing. An illicit but valid baptism is not redone, but may be a sin if the one baptizing does so without good reason and with knowledge of what is licit.

Fundamentally, baptism by laypersons is generally illicit except in cases of immanent death, or the abject absence of clergy, such as in some communities in Alaska where there are no clerics.

 

[Angeluzza]

Thank you Monica and Aramis for the replies.

Yes, my friend definitely has mental troubles. He was held against his will at a facility for about a week after his suicide attempt, and is now actively seeking help through a psychologist.

I (and his mother and sister) really think that a lot of this was, however, brought on by what he practices. He is into some very evil things, including devil worship.

The founder of what he follows was a lunatic, and others around him went insane, which he seems to have enjoyed seeing. People would kill themselves who were close to him, etc.

It is really bad. That was why I was hoping I could do something to draw God towards him, because he is doing everything he can to push God away.

Thank you both very much for taking the time to reply and respond. I really appreciate it

 

[Ruthie]

Praying for you, your friend, and is family.

God bless,

Ruthie

 

[Angeluzza]

Praying for you, your friend, and is family.

God bless,

Ruthie

Thank you very much Ruthie. That is very kind of you and I appreciate it very much. Prayer will certainly be wonderful in this situation.