Thousands of Catholics in the United States may need to be re-baptized after the church learned that a priest had mispronounced one word in the benediction for decades, rendering the ceremony invalid.
Father Andres Arango had been performing the first sacrament of Catholic life using the words “We baptize you,” rather than the Vatican-approved “I baptize you,” for the past 26 years.
“It is not the community that baptizes a person and incorporates them into the Church of Christ; rather, it is Christ, and Christ alone, who presides at all sacraments; therefore, it is Christ who baptizes,” Thomas J. Olmsted, bishop of Phoenix, said.
Arango’s error was identified in mid-2021, a quarter of a century after he began working as a priest, diocese spokeswoman Katie Burke told AFP on Tuesday.
“Father Arango was using the incorrect words from the beginning of his priesthood until it was brought to the attention of the diocese last summer,” she said.
“I do not have an exact number of people baptized between 1995 and 2021, but I believe they number in the thousands.”
Since the mistake came to light, Arango has quit his regular job “to dedicate his full-time ministry to helping and healing the people who were affected by this mistake,” Burke said.
“The diocese is working closely with Father Arango and the parishes at which he was previously assigned to notify and make arrangements to baptize anyone who may have been baptized invalidly.”
THIS IS NOT THE FIRST PRIEST TO MAKE A BAPTISM ERROR
A website has been set up to answer questions from worried parishioners, including:
“Does this affect my marriage?” and “Do I need to go to confession?”
Baptism in the Catholic church is a rite of admission that church doctrine says is necessary for a believer to access other blessings.
In common with other Christian denominations, it normally involves sprinkling or pouring water on the head, or the supplicant being immersed.
Catholics believe that only people who are baptized can enter heaven after their death.
Arango’s error is not the first; in 2020, a priest in Michigan discovered that he had to be re-baptized after watching a family video in which the officiant also used “we” instead of “I.”
Share on Facebook «||»
Share on Twitter «||»
Share on Reddit «||»
Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
Advertisement
Catholics pray novena for young priest killed in Congo
Catholics pray novena for young priest killed in Congo. The late Father Richard Masivi Kasereka, C.R.M., at St. Michael the Archangel Kaseghe parish, in the...
‘Our life is in God’s hands,’ says EWTN priest priest in Ukraine
‘Our life is in God’s hands,’ says EWTN priest priest in Ukraine. Father Oleksandr Zelinskyi, the director general of EWTN Ukraine / Screenshot of Facebook...
What did Pope Francis say about sinners, baptism and the communion of saints?
What did Pope Francis say about sinners, baptism and the communion of saints?. Pope Francis at the General Audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall,...
Twins and Faith: A Special Baptism for the Renwick Family
Special Moments at the Baptism Three Sets of Twins at the Baptism For Kristin Renwick, the baptism of her son, Andrew, held a unique significance....
Baby Indi Gregory’s father says he chose baptism for her after feeling ‘dragged to hell’
By Francesca Pollio Fenton CNA Staff, Nov 13, 2023 / 15:15 pm Despite not being religious, Dean Gregory, the father of 8-month-old Indi Gregory, expressed...
Coach Dismissed Following Player Baptism on School Grounds
Georgia high school football coach Isaac Ferrell faced termination from Tattnall County High School after organizing a baptism ceremony for 20 players. The event, held...
Pope Francis Urges Believers to Celebrate Baptism Anniversary Annually as a Joyful Reaffirmation of Faith
Pope’s Call to Remember Baptism Date Pope Francis emphasized the significance of knowing one’s baptism date, urging individuals to mark the occasion as a celebration...
Church Minister Reveals Baptism of Hundreds of Asylum Seekers in Sea – Concerns Rise Over Genuine Conversions
Mass Baptisms on a Welsh Beach – An Extraordinary Revelation In a startling revelation, Pastor Phylip Rees disclosed that he baptized around 500 asylum seekers...
Church Support Raises Questions: Abdul Ezedi’s Baptism Amidst Asylum Bid Raises Eyebrows
Extraordinary unseen photos have surfaced, revealing the baptism of Abdul Ezedi, the suspect in the Clapham chemical attack, shedding light on his conversion to Christianity...
Nigeria’s Oldest Catholic Priest Mosignor Thomas Oleghe Celebrates 101 years
The Centenarian is from Igiode village in Etsako East local government, and is a member of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo state. See...