In Caserta, a ban on godfathers and godmothers for 3 years

On March 20th, Monsignor Giacomo Cirulli, Bishop of the Dioceses of Teano-Calvi, Alife-Caiazzo and Sessa Aurunca, will promulgate a decree for "the experimental suspension for three years of the presence of godfathers and godmothers in the celebration of Baptism, Confirmation and the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults".

This was announced in a statement released by the three Dioceses of Caserta, which explains the "pastoral motivations" behind the decision: "In today's socio-ecclesial context," it reads, "the office of Godfathers and Godmothers has, for the most part, lost its original value.

The mission associated with these figures, in fact, consists in accompanying catechumens or confirmands throughout their journey of faith, not just during the celebration of the Sacrament. Currently, however, this role has almost completely lost its meaning, reduced to a sort of formal obligation or social custom.

The experimental suspension is not intended to diminish the value of these figures, but represents an attempt by the Bishop to recover their identity and mission, as better specified in the application notes, which form an integral part of the Decree.

The liturgical and catechetical offices of the Dioceses of Teano-Calvi, Alife-Caiazzo, and Sessa Aurunca "will have the delicate task of monitoring, during this three-year period, the progress of the new practice and, at the same time, of studying possible new forms of accompaniment, which will recover the true ecclesial meaning of the office of Godfather and Godmother."

Starting April 9, Easter Sunday, the new regulations regarding the role of Godfathers and Godmothers will be effective. Throughout the three sister dioceses, on an experimental basis and for a period of three years, the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation will be celebrated exclusively without Godfathers or Godmothers, whose presence is already indicated by the Code of Canon Law as not obligatory.

The suspension will take effect from April 9, 2023, and, the statement continues, "it will be possible, as an exception to this rule, to allow the presence of Godfathers and Godmothers in the celebration of the Sacraments until May 28, 2023, the Solemnity of Pentecost, exclusively for celebrations already scheduled in the calendar of individual communities.

Parish priests have the right to decide whether or not to issue the authorization for the celebration of the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation outside the diocesan territory; the Bishop recommends, however, that it be granted for just cause, as foreseen by the Code, and for reasons not connected to the presence of the Godfathers and Godmothers.

It will still be possible to issue a certificate of suitability for those who will be performing the role of godfather or godmother outside of the diocese, where such office is not suspended and only if the required requirements are met and there are no impediments," the note concludes.