On February 2, 2024, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith published an important document titled Gestis Verbisque (Acts and Words), which systematically and clearly explains the divine teachings given by the Church so far regarding the essential elements necessary for the valid administration of sacraments.

Relevance 

The growing instances of invalid celebration of sacraments have raised concerns among the bishops in Rome, especially within the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Significant alterations made by clergy in the matter (Matter) or form (Form) of the sacraments have rendered those sacraments invalid. Such actions have necessitated the re-administration of Baptism or Confirmation for those affected. Furthermore, when a significant number of the faithful realized that the sacraments they received were invalid, they expressed profound sorrow. This crucial document provides examples for reflection: for instance, instead of using the prescribed baptismal formula of the Church, some clergy have used formulas such as “In the name of the Creator, I baptize you” or “In the name of your father and mother, we baptize you.” Some priests who were baptized with such invalid formulas later discovered, with deep distress, that their ordination and all the sacraments they had administered were invalid. These cases underscore the importance of this document (No. 23).

Key Doctrinal Teachings 

The sacraments are instituted by Christ. The living experience of the mystery of salvation is realized through perceptible signs. The sacraments enable our participation in divine life; they are God’s principal works in the New and Eternal Covenant.

The essential components required for the valid administration of sacraments are matter and form (Matter and Form), minister and recipient (Minister and Recipient), and the intention of the Church. The intention of the minister performing the sacrament is linked to matter and form. Indeed, the minister must have the intention “to do what the Church does.” The minister’s intention, together with the disposition of the recipient, represents the intrinsic and spiritually significant aspect of the sacrament. The Church has officially recognized sacramental texts that incorporate all these elements for valid sacramental administration.

Therefore, a substantial alteration of the essential elements casts doubt on the minister’s true intention, thereby invalidating the sacrament being administered. The Church’s intention to perform the sacrament is evident in the use of proper matter and form as established by the Church. Making arbitrary changes to these elements under the pretense of creativity actually invalidates the sacrament itself; thus, such acts can never confer grace. Hence, it is strictly prohibited to add, remove, or modify anything in the sacramental texts officially provided by the Church. Ministers must ensure they administer the sacraments with utmost fidelity.

Since the matter and form of the sacraments are rooted in Scripture and Tradition, they can never be determined according to the will of individuals or specific communities. It is not the Church’s responsibility to define these elements based on human preference; rather, the Church has the authoritative duty to recognize and uphold them under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Bishops and their collaborating priests lead liturgical celebrations. At the same time, the minister presiding over the celebration functions in persona Christi capitis and in nomine Ecclesiae. Christ is the head of the ecclesial body. It must not be forgotten that Christ alone is the true minister and presider of all sacraments.

As ministers of the sacraments, every priest must administer them with deep love and unwavering faith. Today, in the Church, it is through the sacraments that the gift of salvation, which the risen Christ desires to share with all, is granted. Ministers must recognize that sacramental celebrations are not private ceremonies but the celebrations of the Church. We must approach the matter and form of each sacrament with reverence and respect as established by the Church. This document specifically urges every diocesan bishop to examine whether sacraments are being validly administered within their diocese and to identify and promptly rectify any deviations in this regard.

Rev. Dr. Bilju Vazhappilly