medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear medieval-religion colleagues,
The web site for the Diocese of Lincoln (Nebraska, USA) has this as a frequently asked question in regard to baptism. Although it deals with the here and now, it may be useful as a starting point from which to work backward chronologically:
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http://www.dioceseoflincoln.org/purple/baptism/#7
Is it all right now after the Second Vatican Council to give a child at baptism a name that is not a saint's name?
As far as I know the Second Vatican Council never treated this issue. The current Code of Canon Law says, "Parents, sponsors, and the pastor are to take care that a name is not given (to a child being baptized) which is foreign to Christian sentiment." It is a beautiful practice to give a child a saint's name, even if it has to be a second or third name. The saint can intercede for the person as he or she grows up. The person can learn about the saint's life and try to imitate the saint's virtues in following Christ, etc. For Christians this is certainly preferable over naming children after relatives, sports or rock stars, months or seasons of the year, nuts and fruits, etc.
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There may well be gaps in canon law over the centuries in regard to this matter, or at least in their observance. My parents were born in a village in central Italy, Corfinio (hence my interest in St Pelino and other 'local worthies'), and I visit there frequently. Whenever I am there, I like to visit the local cemetery, and a few years ago I suddenly noticed a tomb for someone who had died in the first half of the twentieth century. What caught my eye was the given name of the person: 'Ateo', or 'Atheist'. I don't think this is a case like that noted earlier today (or yesterday - I forget) by John Dillon, whereby an adjective ('germanus') may well have been transformed by scribal error or will into a given name ('Germanus') - this man's real given name was Ateo. The cemetery is within sight of the achingly beautiful cathedral basilica of San Pelino and its attached bishop's residence (now serving as a convent, but that's another story), so SOMEBODY in this overwhelmingly Christian culture knew that someone in their midst was named Ateo.
Astrolabe might be considered by some to be much too virtuous a name in comparison ...
Best wishes to all, George
--
George Ferzoco
University of Leicester
University Road
LEICESTER LE1 7RH
UNITED KINGDOM
tel + 44 (0)116 252 2654
fax + 44 (0)116 252 3633
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list owner, medieval-religion
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