Theological and Canonical Aspects of Baptismal Mystagogy to Persons below 14 Years of Age

Adam Jaszcz

doi:10.18290/rt206711-8

Adam Jaszcz John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Faculty of Law, Canon Law and Administration, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2282-1523

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rt206711-8

Keywords: baptism, child, minor, Church, religious freedom, law

Abstract

The aim of this article is to present the theological grounds for administering baptism to children and minors under 14 years of age and the canonical status of it, as well as the pastoral and administrative implications arising therefrom. The consequence of baptism is the sanctifying and justifying incorporation into the People of God’s New Covenant. It cannot be revoked, and its sacramental character is irremovable. Man, reborn with baptismal water, is freed from Adam’s guilt and endowed with the power to overcome evil. The author refers to the thesis that the baptism of children violated their religious freedom. The article states that there is no such thing as “pure human freedom,” independent of any influence. Parents care for the well-being of their children and things necessary for life. This also applies to religious life. Not caring about this aspect would in fact be a wish of evil by depriving a person of a good. The author describes the consequences arising from the sacrament of baptism, through which a legal node is created in a particular Church sui iuris.

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