At 9:30am this morning in Rome (3:30am EST), the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, the Holy Father, Pope Francis presided over the celebration of Holy Mass inside the Sistine Chapel. During the Eucharistic celebration, he celebrated the Sacrament of Baptism for 32 newborn babies: 17 boys and 15 girls.
Like Jesus who went to be baptized, you too have brought your children here.
Jesus replied to John: All justice should be done (cf. Mt 3:15). Baptizing a child is an act of justice for him. And why? Because in Baptism we give him a treasure, in Baptism we give her a pledge: the Holy Spirit. The child comes out (from Baptism) with the power of the Spirit inside: the Spirit who will defend him, will help him, throughout his life. This is why it is so important to baptize them as children, so that they can grow up with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is the message that I would like to give you today. You bring your children today, so that they can have the Holy Spirit inside. And take care that they grow with light, with the power of the Holy Spirit, through catechesis, help, teaching, the examples that you will give at home ... This is the message.
I would not like to tell you anything else. Just a warning. Children are not used to coming to the Sistine chapel; for them, this is the first time! They are not used to being closed in an environment that is even a little warm. And they are not used to being dressed like this, for a party as beautiful as today. They will feel a little uncomfortable at some point. And one will begin (to cry) ... - the concert hasn't started yet! - but one will begin, then another ... Don't be afraid, let the children cry and cry. But rather, if your baby cries and complains, maybe it's because it's too hot: take something away; or because he is hungry: breastfeed him, here, yes, in peace. One thing I also said last year: they have a choral dimension: it is enough for one to give the 'A' and they all begin, and the concert will take place. Don't be frightened. It is a beautiful sermon when a child cries in church, it is a beautiful sermon. Make them feel good and let's move on.
Don't forget: you bring the Holy Spirit to your children.
Testo originale nella lingua italiana
Homily of the Holy Father, Pope Francis
during the celebration of the Mass
Like Jesus who went to be baptized, you too have brought your children here.
Jesus replied to John: All justice should be done (cf. Mt 3:15). Baptizing a child is an act of justice for him. And why? Because in Baptism we give him a treasure, in Baptism we give her a pledge: the Holy Spirit. The child comes out (from Baptism) with the power of the Spirit inside: the Spirit who will defend him, will help him, throughout his life. This is why it is so important to baptize them as children, so that they can grow up with the power of the Holy Spirit.
This is the message that I would like to give you today. You bring your children today, so that they can have the Holy Spirit inside. And take care that they grow with light, with the power of the Holy Spirit, through catechesis, help, teaching, the examples that you will give at home ... This is the message.
I would not like to tell you anything else. Just a warning. Children are not used to coming to the Sistine chapel; for them, this is the first time! They are not used to being closed in an environment that is even a little warm. And they are not used to being dressed like this, for a party as beautiful as today. They will feel a little uncomfortable at some point. And one will begin (to cry) ... - the concert hasn't started yet! - but one will begin, then another ... Don't be afraid, let the children cry and cry. But rather, if your baby cries and complains, maybe it's because it's too hot: take something away; or because he is hungry: breastfeed him, here, yes, in peace. One thing I also said last year: they have a choral dimension: it is enough for one to give the 'A' and they all begin, and the concert will take place. Don't be frightened. It is a beautiful sermon when a child cries in church, it is a beautiful sermon. Make them feel good and let's move on.
Don't forget: you bring the Holy Spirit to your children.
Testo originale nella lingua italiana
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