January 14, 2013
(Romereports.com) Surrounded by the priceless art of the Sistine Chapel, the Pope baptized 20 newborns, most of whom are children of Vatican employees. Just like any baptism, some cried when the holy water was poured on them. Others, didn't even flinch.
Because the ceremony marked the Feast Day of Jesus' Baptism, the Pope explained exactly why this Sacrament is so important.
BENEDICT XVI
“By receiving their Baptism, they are reborn as children of God, taking part in the filial relationship that Jesus has with the Father. This enables them to address God as 'Abba, meaning Father'.”
But the attention wasn't just on the newborns. The Pope also called on their parents, reminding them that by choosing to have their children baptized, they too become witnesses of their faith.
BENEDICT XVI
“It's the joy of knowing that they have received a great gift of God: faith. A gift that none of us truly merit. It's a free gift to which we have responded to with a 'yes'.
As far as the godparents, the Pope highlighted that they too have a great responsibility to educate and transmit the faith to the younger generation. Above everything else, by example.
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