Spiritual Baptism

[Regina0206]

I need some advice on the following prayer

Quote
Divine Mercy for the Unborn

For all helpless little children who die in the womb of their mother, I pray that all of these little souls will be given eternal life by Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through his Divine Mercy and I beg Jesus that I be allowed to spiritually baptise a little soul born dead and I do so by saying: I baptise you (Give name, preferably a Saints Name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… I have called you by your name, you are mine!
Unquote

The above prayer can be found in the Handbook of Devotion to Divine Mercy called “Will you help Me?

Praying for the little souls born dead is fine and I understand, however what I would like to know is:

1. What is spiritual baptism?
2. Does spiritually baptising dead souls have any bearing on their eternal resting place?
3. Can we then spiritually baptise all new born babies irrespective of the religion their parents practice?

 

[budgie2]

By all means say that prayer and my mum would prefer to baptise a dead baby. I think it’s possible to help souls in purgatory through prayer. I had a miscarriage and after the baby died I did not need to baptise as I felt that the baby was fully in God’s presence and therefore it was reliant on God’s mercy. Salvation does not only rely on human action and in fact relies on divine action and your baby is in the hands of God.

 

[Ocarm]

Praying for the little souls born dead is fine and I understand, however what I would like to know is:

1. What is spiritual baptism?
2. Does spiritually baptising dead souls have any bearing on their eternal resting place?
3. Can we then spiritually baptise all new born babies irrespective of the religion their parents practice?

Whilst I am sure that there is no harm, and indeed, may be a great deal of good, in our praying for dead souls to receive the graces of baptism, I don’t think any actual sacramental event could be claimed to happen through such prayers.

The 1983 Code of Canon Law clearly implies that baptism is reserved for the living. This does not mean that baptising a dead child, as I know might happen following a stillbirth or miscarriage, is wrong or disobedient; but probably it has a symbolic rather than sacramental value. But I’m sure that the truths underlying the doctrine of baptism by intent - the parents’ intent or others - brings the child all those graces irrespective of the actual performance of the rite.

Canon 868 states that the person to be baptised must either give their consent, or if they are an infant, have consent given on their behalf by parents or guardians, although if the infant is in danger of death, this can be waived. I would take that to mean that the babies of non-Christians cannot typically be baptised by proxy.

See the relevant canons at:

vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/__P2X.HTM

Although original sin is said to be present in a newborn baby, it is also held that young children do not possess the capacity to commit a mortal sin until they reach the age of responsibility, and as such we can be sure that souls who die as babies always find their way into God’s presence.

 

[dmar198]

Although original sin is said to be present in a newborn baby, it is also held that young children do not possess the capacity to commit a mortal sin until they reach the age of responsibility, and as such we can be sure that souls who die as babies always find their way into God’s presence.

According to the latest development of Church teaching, we have good reason to hope that they will be saved, but it is not quite correct to say that we can be sure that they will.
Source:
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1261
Vatican Document, The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

I need some advice on the following prayer

Quote

Divine Mercy for the Unborn

For all helpless little children who die in the womb of their mother, I pray that all of these little souls will be given eternal life by Our Lord, Jesus Christ, through his Divine Mercy

Fine

and I beg Jesus that I be allowed to spiritually baptise a little soul born dead and I do so by saying: I baptise you (Give name, preferably a Saints Name) in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… I have called you by your name, you are mine!

Misguided

The above prayer can be found in the Handbook of Devotion to Divine Mercy called “Will you help Me?

Praying for the little souls born dead is fine and I understand, however what I would like to know is:

1. What is spiritual baptism?

Whatever it is it’s not Catholic belief.

1. Does spiritually baptising dead souls have any bearing on their eternal resting place?

NO

1. Can we then spiritually baptise all new born babies irrespective of the religion their parents practice?

No

 

[Regina0206]

So Bro Rich it would be wrong to say this prayer (except the first part)?

These books are published by the Divine Mercy Publications in Dublin, Ireland and are available in USA, Australia and other countries. Imprimi Potest, Archbishop of Dublin Ireland.

There will be thousands of people reciting this prayer. Is this prayer not giving people the wrong idea about Catholicism?

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

So Bro Rich it would be wrong to say this prayer (except the first part)?

These books are published by the Divine Mercy Publications in Dublin, Ireland and are available in USA, Australia and other countries. Imprimi Potest, Archbishop of Dublin Ireland.

There will be thousands of people reciting this prayer. Is this prayer not giving people the wrong idea about Catholicism?

Simply it presents a confusing view of what Catholics believe, and the Church teaches. Can we pray for these un-baptized souls? YES. Should we? YES. Can God supply the Grace of Baptism outside of the Sacrament of Baptism? YES. Can we Baptize them vicariously? NO