By Charles Igwe
On the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis spoke on the profound spiritual significance of baptism as he baptized 21 infants in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. The ceremony, attended by families of Vatican staff and Swiss Guards, was a testament to the pope’s emphasis on faith as the most precious gift parents can bestow upon their children. Addressing the families gathered in the chapel, he reminded them of their sacred duty to nurture their children’s spiritual lives through the sacraments and prayer.
“Today, each of you parents and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children,” he said, praying for the children to grow in faith, humanity, and the joy of familial love.
Later that day, during his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square, the Holy Father invited Christians to reflect on their own baptisms as a spiritual milestone—a “new birthday” that marks their rebirth in the Spirit of God. He urged the faithful to recall the date of their baptism, highlighting its importance as a moment of initiation into God’s family.
“This is very important! Think: On what day was I baptized?” he said to the pilgrims gathered. “If we don’t remember, when we get home, let’s ask our parents and godparents the date of our baptism. Don’t forget! This is a job to do at home.”
Reflecting on the liturgy of the feast, Pope Francis spoke about how God reveals Himself as Father through the Son. This divine relationship offers a privileged way to enter into communion with humanity. “In revealing himself as Father through the Son, God establishes a privileged place to enter into dialogue and communion with humanity. It is the face of the beloved Son,” he said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God’s presence in Jesus and in others.
The pope also invited the faithful to contemplate “the face and voice of God” through Jesus Christ and their fellow baptized Christians. He posed a poignant question to the gathered pilgrims: “Do we feel loved? Do I feel loved and accompanied by God, or do I think that God is distant from me? Are we capable of recognizing his face in Jesus and in our brothers and sisters?”
