Baptism of Desire and Christian Salvation

Are the sacraments necessary for salvation?  What does our answer to this question mean for those who die before baptism, non-Christians, and unborn children?  Prof. Anthony Lusvardi’s new book Baptism of Desire and Christian Salvation (Catholic University of America Press, 2024) provides a new look at the development of doctrine on salvation from the standpoint of the ancient doctrine of baptism of desire.  It challenges much of the conventional wisdom on how this doctrine evolved and what it means for sacramental theology and the mission of the Church.  At this event, Fr. Lusvardi will be joined by Fr. Joseph Carola and Fr. Robert Imbelli of Boston College, who will offer their own assessment of the book and its significance.