Adsum

December 2003

How Soon is Quam Primum?

From the book, Father Connell Answers Moral Questions
by Very Rev. Francis J. Connell, C.SS.R., S.T.D., L.L.D., L.H.D.

Question: According to Canon 770, infants of Catholics should be baptized as soon as possible. How is this phrase as soon as possible (quam primum) to be interpreted in definite terms of time?

Answer: Theologians differ widely in their attempt to state in definite terms of time just how soon after birth the child of Catholic parents must be baptized in order to fulfill the prescription of Canon 770, which commands that the sacrament be conferred quam primum. Some have believed that a delay of more than three days would be a transgression of this law; others have favored the opinion that no matter how great the delay the parents are not guilty of grave sin unless the child is in danger of death or there is a particular diocesan ruling on the period of time within which the sacrament must be conferred. I believe that most theologians nowadays would regard the former view too strict and the latter too lenient. Since the Code requires pastors and preachers to admonish the faithful frequently of their grave obligation to have their children baptized as soon as possible, and a definite statement is surely desirable, I believe that a priest can reasonably state that three weeks is the longest period to which baptism can be deferred without some (at least venial) sin, and that a delay of an additional week (apart from some very grave reason) would render the parents guilty of grave sin.

Since the attitude in question seems to be growing among non-Catholics who have married Catholics, it might be advisable for a priest who receives the mixed marriage promises to ask the non-Catholic explicitly if he feels he is being forced to give the guarantees. If he admits that this is his attitude, there can hardly be present the moral certainty of the fulfillment of the guarantees which the Code demands as a condition for the granting of a dispensation (Can. 1061, § 1,3).

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