Sakrament chrztu w świetle średniowiecznych ksiąg pokutnych
The Sacrament of Baptism in the light of the Medieval Penitential Books

Summary/Abstract: The penitential books written during the Late Ancient Christianity and the Early Middle Ages are an evidence of the formation of the penitential practices in the Church. The aim of this article is to discuss – in the light of these books – a variety of practices, including those seen as inadequate, which were related to the sacrament of Baptism and which caused significant punishment to those deemed guilty. Such penitential practices required adequate atonement which was often difficult to fulfill. The penitential books pointed out that the child should be baptized as soon as possible, especially if they were ill. During the confession, the confessors were required to verify when the child was brought to be baptized by their parents. Penitentiaries also discussedwhen baptism can be seen as rightfully administered and when not. They highlighted that rightfully administered baptism cannot be administered again. Some of the penitentialbooks contained, however, an incorrect understanding of the relation between the moral life of the priest who administered baptism and the rightfulness of the sacrament. The books also pointed out who can become a godparent and discussed the obstacle of priest’s kinship with regards to the sacrament of baptism. Keywords: sacrament, baptism, minister of the sacrament, penance, penitential book,godparents

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