Considering the Baptism of Edgardo Mortara in the Context of Catholic Teachings and Rituals Then and Now

Paul Turner

doi:10.6017/scjr.v14i1.10999

Abstract

The baptism of one-year old Edgardo Mortara by a maid in his parental home in 1852 took place at an age when Catholics believed that salvation came only to those baptized, when the baptism of children was usually celebrated during a lengthy, complex ritual led by a priest at the parish church, yet when the church allowed and encouraged others - even laity - to perform baptism when, in their judgment, an emergency had arisen. Although the contemporary Catholic Church has modified these beliefs and practices, permissions and rules still govern the emergency baptism of children, even those of non-Christian parents.

Highlights

The Catholic baptism of a child in the mid-nineteenth century usually took place at a local parish church
To understand the actions that such concerns prompt and the desperation that they imply, it helps to take a broader view of the baptismal ritual, a celebration steeped in proud ceremony, but most of which may be discarded in the case of an emergency
Turner: Considering the Baptism of Edgardo Mortara some mothers recovering from childbirth remained at home in bed

Summary

Then and Now

Catholics regard baptism as the doorway to salvation. Faithful parents proudly present their infant children for baptism as a testimony of their own belief and of their desire to share it with the generation. Baptism is the fruit of evangelization, even within families. When the baptism of an infant does not take place, traditional Catholics fear the loss of family customs and rituals, but the ultimate salvation of the child, with whom they yearn to share life in this world, but in the next. To understand the actions that such concerns prompt and the desperation that they imply, it helps to take a broader view of the baptismal ritual, a celebration steeped in proud ceremony, but most of which may be discarded in the case of an emergency. In order to understand this historical event and similar contemporary situations, this essay addresses the ritual and theology of baptism before and after the Second Vatican Council

Normal Catholic Baptism in the Nineteenth Century

The Importance of Baptizing

The Baptism of Edgardo Mortara

Emergency Baptism Today