Priest's Decades of Baptisms Declared Invalid over One Wrong
Word
A Catholic priest, Father Andres Arango, has resigned after
an investigation revealed that for over 20 years he used the wrong wording
during baptisms, rendering them invalid. Father Arango mistakenly said,
"We baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit," instead of "I baptize you." This error was highlighted
by Bishop Thomas Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix, who announced the findings.
Bishop Olmsted explained that the use of "We"
incorrectly implies that the community is performing the baptism, whereas it is
solely Christ who baptizes through the priest. This determination was made in
consultation with the Vatican's Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.
Consequently, baptisms performed by Father Arango were declared void, affecting
numerous individuals in Phoenix, Brazil, and San Diego.
Father Arango, who began his ministry in Brazil in 1995,
apologized for his mistake, expressing deep regret for how it has impacted many
people's sacramental lives. He resigned from his position at St. Gregory Parish
in Phoenix effective February 1, 2022, and will now focus on assisting those
who need to be re-baptized.
The diocese has set up a dedicated website to help those
affected by the invalid baptisms. Additionally, baptisms performed by Father
Arango after June 17, 2021, have been confirmed as valid. Despite his
resignation, Father Arango remains a priest in good standing and is committed
to rectifying the situation.
Bishop Olmsted assured parishioners that steps are being
taken to address the disruption caused by this error. He called for prayers for
Father Arango and all those affected, emphasizing the diocese's commitment to
resolving the issue swiftly and compassionately.
