In canonical practice, which statement about an emergency baptism by a layperson with proper water and formula is correct?

• A. It is neither valid nor licit.
• B. It is valid and licit.
• C. It is valid but illicit.
• D. It is licit but invalid.

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that baptism remains valid when the matter, form, and the minister’s intent align, even in emergencies. In a life-threatening or urgent situation, any person can baptize if they intend to do what the Church does and use the proper water with the correct baptismal formula. When those elements are present, the sacrament actually takes effect, so the baptism is valid. It is also licit because the Church permits this act in grave necessity to ensure salvation and did not place a prohibition on laypeople performing it in such cases.

So, with proper water and the standard baptismal words and the intention to do what the Church does, the baptism is both valid and licit. If any of those conditions were missing—wrong words, incorrect form, improper matter, or lack of proper intent—the baptism could be invalid or illicit.