An Arizona priest used one wrong word in baptisms for decades. They're all invalid

baby baptism
An Arizona priest quit after learning he had used the wrong word while performing baptisms throughout his career. The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix estimates thousands of people were affected by the mistake (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool Photo via AP)

A Catholic priest in Arizona has resigned after he was found to have performed baptisms incorrectly throughout his career, rendering the rite invalid for thousands of people.

The Catholic Diocese of Phoenix announced on its website that it determined after careful study that the Rev. Andres Arango had used the wrong wording in baptisms performed up until June 17, 2021. He had been off by a single word.

During baptisms in both English and Spanish, Arango used the phrase “we baptize you in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” He should have said “I baptize,” the diocese explained.