Godparent Question

[inunionwithrome]

What if a godmother wishes to enter religious life? How does the Church handle this? Thanks!

[cappie]

The Code Of Canon Law says:

 

Can. 874 §1 To be admitted to undertake the office of sponsor, a person must:

 

1° be appointed by the candidate for baptism, or by the parents or whoever stands in their place, or failing these, by the parish priest or the minister; to be appointed the person must be suitable for this role and have the intention of fulfilling it;

 

2° be not less than sixteen years of age, unless a different age has been stipulated by the diocesan Bishop, or unless the parish priest or the minister considers that there is a just reason for an exception to be made;

 

3° be a catholic who has been confirmed and has received the blessed Eucharist, and who lives a life of faith which befits the role to be undertaken;

 

4° not labour under a canonical penalty, whether imposed or declared;

 

5° not be either the father or the mother of the person to be baptised.

 

There is no restriction other than those mentioned above e.g. age confirmation and communion, canonical penalty. Also under the current Code there is now no direct canonical consequence arising from sponsorship unlike the old Code where it induced a spiritual relationship which gave rise to matters of matrimonial impediment! The disqualifications of the Code of 1917 of those in Religious Life or Sacred Orders no longer apply.  If a god parent enters religious life after taking the role of sponsor that doesn't change the reality that the person so nominated is still a god parent. It may be a good thing :saint2: