December 7, 2023 / 02:21 PM
In order to study the most appropriate ways to restore their value to the figures of the godfather and godmother, the Bishop of Massa Carrara-Pontremoli (Italy), Bishop Mario Vaccari, has decided to suspend for three years his appointments for the sacraments of the Baptism and Confirmation.
In a decree published on December 3, the prelate explains that he has made this decision because the changing social context has led to “emotional ties or social coexistence” taking precedence in families over pastoral ones when choosing a godfather or godmother.
This, he points out, causes the educational and accompaniment role of the godparents to be reduced “on the path of Christian life” of the baptized or confirmed, relegating the institution “to a simple liturgical presence.”