Pope Francis baptizes children in
Sistine Chapel
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| Pope Francis baptizing a child during the Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Vatican Media) |
On the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis
celebrates Mass in the Sistine Chapel, and baptizes 32 children.
By Christopher Wells
Following a long-standing tradition, Pope Francis celebrated
Mass for the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in the Sistine Chapel on Sunday.
The feast commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by His cousin, St
John the Baptist.
During the ceremony, the Holy Father baptized more than
thirty children born in the past year to families of Vatican employees and
diplomats accredited to the Holy See.
An act of justice
In his homily, immediately before the Baptism ceremony, Pope
Francis recalled the words of Jesus when asked by John why the Lord was coming
to him to be baptized: “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to
fulfill all justice”. “Baptizing a child is an act of justice”, the Pope said,
“because in Baptism we give him or her a treasure, we give them a pledge: the
Holy Spirit”. He said it is important to baptize children, “so that they grow
up with the power of the Holy Spirit”.
He also urged them “to take care that they grow up with the
light, with the power of the Holy Spirit, through catechesis, assistance,
teaching, the example you give at home”.
This, he said, “is the message I want to give to you today”.
A beautiful homily
Pope Francis also showed his pastoral care for the young
families, telling them not to worry if their children made a fuss during the
ceremonies. “The children aren’t used to coming to the Sistine [Chapel]. It’s
their first time”. If they do start to cry, he said, try to make them
comfortable, but don’t worry if they keep it up. “Children are choral”, he
said; if one starts making noise, they all join in. “Don’t get upset!” he said.
“When a child cries in church, it’s a beautiful homily”.
“Don’t forget”, the Pope said in conclusion. “You bear the
Holy Spirit within the children”.
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