Can a Religious be a godparent?

[GloriousOrder]

The Apologetics forum was my first thought; however, upon further reflection, that doesn’t exactly seem suited to the question. I need to know a specific legality of the Church in R.C.I.A., so it’s not really about defending the faith. This seems to be the proper forum.

Anyway, there is a Franciscan friar serving this cathedral who I consider to be my best friend. He professed Perpetual Vows in April, so he is completely subsumed into the structure of the Church. I’ve already chosen a sponsor for my baptism, and she will be my godmother; however, I’d like a godfather too, so is it possible for this diocesan Franciscan to do just that? I’m supposing that the answer is “no”, but one must ask!

Regardless of the answer, please pray for me while I wait with truly joyous hope for baptism.

 

[geovet]

I believe that you can have only one godparent, but you can have others as a witness.

 

[GloriousOrder]

Michelle Arnold answered the issue with the number of godparents in an Apologetics answer a while ago, citing Canon 873:

“Can. 873 There is to be only one male sponsor or one female sponsor or one of each.”

This clears the problem of number, but not of kind. Perhaps I should have asked the apologists. Sorry!

 

[geovet]

I know that a parish priest can be one. I’m not sure if it is the same for a religious. It’s a good question!

 

[SVP]

Perhaps it is my Eastern Catholic upbringing, but my first thought was, ‘why not?’ . Religious vows are to the church. Fostering a love of church, religion and God in a godchild through the example of lifestyle would seem to be acceptable.

 

[ConstantineTG]

PM JREducation. He is a Franciscan, he would know for sure.

 

[GloriousOrder]

PM JREducation. He is a Franciscan, he would know for sure.

That was my first idea, but I didn’t want to bother the poor fellow. Thanks! It’s certainly wonderful to be able to ask this question of all Catholics across the whole world. The laws of our beloved mother Church apply to all everywhere. I just have to find out what they are…

 

[Ocarm]

I’d like a godfather too, so is it possible for this diocesan Franciscan to do just that?

In the past it was not permitted, because a godparent might have to take financial and daily responsibility for a child if their parents died, and this was neither practical or considered seemly for religious - so there was (I believe) a blanket ban irrespective of age so as to avoid this situation.

It is no longer the case, however, and providing they have the necessary permissions from superiors, religious can be sponsors or godparents.

 

[ConstantineTG]

That was my first idea, but I didn’t want to bother the poor fellow. Thanks! It’s certainly wonderful to be able to ask this question of all Catholics across the whole world. The laws of our beloved mother Church apply to all everywhere. I just have to find out what they are…

Don’t by shy
He’ll be more than glad to help you. I usually bother him via email

 

[GloriousOrder]

Ah! I was just coming to check this thread when I saw that he answered me. According to Br. JR, it is perfectly fine if Br. gets permission from the Superior. Let us hope and pray!

Well, that’s that settled.

 

[ConstantineTG]

Ah! I was just coming to check this thread when I saw that he answered me. According to Br. JR, it is perfectly fine if Br. gets permission from the Superior. Let us hope and pray!

Well, that’s that settled.

I would have figured that they need permission from their superior. With their vows they have given their lives to the order and thus such decisions are not personally theirs.