at last

Last night was most joyous celebration for our family as Baby O finally received the sacrament of Baptism. Our beloved priest was present to bestow the sacrament in our beautiful church.

The baptism was performed using the traditional Latin rite. The ceremony began in the narthex of the church and included blessings, prayers and as you see in the photo, the imposition of the salt (in which a few grains of salt are dropped on the infant's tongue)
{*Now the priest puts a little blessed salt in the
candidate's mouth. Salt is the symbol of that
wisdom which gives a relish for the sweetness
of divine nourishment; preserves, by the teaching
of the Gospel, from the corruption of sin, and
prevents evil passions from growing in men's souls.}

Here Baby O's godmother holds him over the font as Father pours the cleansing waters of Baptism. Baby O calmly received holy waters.

And now, having received the sacrament of Baptism, Baby O dons a little white alb (bib) to represent the purity of his soul and is presented a lit candle.

Finally, though not a part of the baptismal ceremony, it is an old custom to present the newly baptized babe to his Blessed Mother immediately following the sacrament. Here the infant will be lovingly laid upon Our Lady's altar by the infant's mother. Prayers are offered, begging our heavenly mother to keep the child under the protection of her mantle. In this case, The Prof had also engaged a local professional singer to accompany this little offering with the singing of Ave Maria. Baby O was calm and content upon the altar under his mothers' watchful eyes.


*Quotes and further information available at Fisheaters.