A Catholic priest has resigned after realising that he had been using the wrong words during baptisms – leaving thousands of babies technically unbaptised.
According to the Diocese of Phoenix, Reverend Andres Arango had been saying "we baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" during thousands of baptisms at Catholic churches across the US and in Brazil.
The correct phrasing, according to the Vatican, is "I baptise you”.
All of the incorrect baptisms – which number in their thousands – will need to be re-done because of the one-word mistake.
The Diocese of Phoenix, Arizona, said in a statement: “We are saddened to announce some difficult information regarding baptisms performed by Rev. Andres Arango, a priest of the Diocese of Phoenix, who also had been a member of the Eudist religious community.
“After careful study, it has been determined that the form (words) Fr. Andres used for the sacrament of baptism has been incorrect, and all of the baptisms he has performed until June 17, 2021, are presumed invalid. Any baptisms performed by Fr. Andres after June 17, 2021, are presumed valid and do not need to be repeated”
Advising parents to check their baptism certificate to confirm whether Father Arango had baptised their child, the statement explains: “We baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” does not convey the sacrament of baptism.
“Rather, ministers must allow Jesus to speak through them and say, ‘I baptise you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit’."
The statement advises anyone that might have been affected by the mixup “Please do not take Communion until after you have been validly baptised.”
In answer to the question of whether the botched baptisms affect a person’s marriage, the diocese’s website answers: “Maybe! Unfortunately, there is no single clear answer. There are a number of variables when it comes to valid marriages.”
Fr. Arango said in a statement: “I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience my actions have caused and genuinely ask for your prayers, forgiveness, and understanding”.
He adds that he has resigned from his position as pastor of St. Gregory parish in Phoenix effective February 1, 2022.
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