Mystagogic Character of the Renewal of Baptismal Promises

Abstract

The postconciliar turn towards baptismal spirituality is visible in appreciation of the renewal ritual of baptismal promises. In the early centuries of Christianity the very presence of catechumens during the first part of Sunday liturgy and the rite of sending them away reminded the congregation of the central role of the baptismal covenant in the life of Christians. The old division into the Mass of Catechumens and Mass of the Faithful was a reflection of that. Today the Church makes a reference to Baptism in the Sunday aspersion.

In the liturgical year cycle the period of paschal preparation (Lent) creates a parallel formation path for catechumens and the Christian faithful who accompany them. During the Easter Vigil, which constitutes the pivotal point of the liturgical year and the principal time for catechumens to get baptised, the whole Church renews baptismal promises. Parents and godparents renew them when children are baptised, while the youth do during Confirmation. Also the administration of Viaticum should be preceded by a renewal of the profession of faith. The renewal of baptismal promises is envisaged by a ritual celebrated during major exorcisms. The typical editions of postconciliar liturgical books provide the text of questions and suggest answers in the singular form, which implies a personalistic dimension of the renewal. It is an element of the permanent mystagogy of the Sacrament of Baptism.