Does water have to flow for Baptism to be valid?

[javier_29]

Does the water actually have to flow or is it enough if it just touches the skin.

For example, in the case of a premature infant, is it acceptable to use a small bottle of holy water and getting your finger wet to apply to their forehead.

Javier

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Hi,

The water needs to be poured. I have baptized many premature babies. The nurse would provide me with a little bottle of sterile water that I would pour on a wad of cotton. Then I would squeeze out a little water three times on the baby’s little forehead as I said the baptismal formula.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.