From L’Osservatore Romano
On Sunday, 12 January, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Pope Francis presided at Holy Mass in the Sistine Chapel, during which he administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 21 babies. Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling and walls became the backdrop for this special occasion.
At the beginning of the Mass the Holy Father greeted the families, telling them to let their children cry and make noise, and to feed them if necessary. The 21 children present were “in charge”, he said in his impromptu words pronounced during the liturgical celebration. “It is important that the babies feel comfortable. If they are hungry, nurse them, so that they do not cry. If they are too warm, change them. Let them feel at ease, because today they are in charge, and we must serve them with the Sacrament, with prayers”.
In his brief homily, Pope Francis reminded the parents, godparents and family members that it was a special day not only for the children but for the family too. “Today, each one of you, parents, and the Church herself, give the greatest, the greatest gift to the children: the gift of faith”. The Holy Father concluded his homily by asking the Lord to help these children “grow in faith, a true humanity, in the joy of the family”.
During the Mass, the Pope reflected on one of the five main symbols of Baptism: the Paschal candle. He encouraged parents and godparents to carry and use the light of the candle with them throughout their lives, and not only as a reminder of the baptismal day. “When there is a problem or difficulty, light the candle to ask the Lord for grace for your family”, he urged them.
