Pope Francis Celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord with Special Emphasis on the Gift of Faith

Pope Francis sitting in wheelchair reaching his hand out to baby held by parents

Pope Francis celebrates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, emphasizing the gift of faith and the importance of remembering one's baptismal date while offering prayers for peace and those affected by disaster. (Vatican Media)

On Sunday, January 12, Pope Francis celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord by baptizing 21 babies in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel and leading the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square. This special occasion highlighted the significance of baptism, faith, and the Christian responsibility to nurture children spiritually.

Before performing the baptisms for the babies of Vatican staff and Swiss Guards, Pope Francis shared a profound message for the parents present. He emphasized the importance of sacramental life and prayer for children. “Today, each of you parents and the Church herself give the greatest, greatest gift: the gift of faith to children,” he told the families gathered in the Sistine Chapel. “Let us ask the Lord that they grow in faith, a true humanity, in the joy of the family,” he prayed.

In his Angelus address later that day, the Pope reminded Christians of the deep personal significance of baptism. He urged everyone to remember the date of their baptism, calling it a “new birthday” that marks their “birth in the Spirit of God.” “This is very important! Think: On what day was I baptized? If we don’t remember, when we get home, let’s ask our parents and godparents the date of our baptism,” he instructed the pilgrims. “Don’t forget! This is a job to do at home: the date of my baptism,” he emphasized.

Reflecting on the liturgy of the feast, Pope Francis spoke about the profound revelation of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. “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 explained. The Pope invited Christians to recognize God’s presence by contemplating “the face and voice of God” through the humanity of Jesus Christ and through the faces of other baptized individuals.

The Holy Father also posed an introspective question for the faithful, asking: “Do we feel loved? Do I feel loved and accompanied by God or do I think that God is distant from me?” He urged pilgrims to consider whether they can “recognize his face in Jesus and in our brothers and sisters.”

After the Angelus prayer, Pope Francis extended his thoughts to those suffering from natural disasters and conflict. He expressed his closeness to the people of Los Angeles County, California, who have been affected by devastating fires in recent days. “I am close to the inhabitants of Los Angeles County, California, where devastating fires have broken out in recent days. I pray for all of you,” the Pope said. He also called for continued prayers for peace, particularly in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other troubled regions worldwide. “Let us also invoke his intercession as we pray for peace in Ukraine, in the Middle East, and throughout the world,” he added.

Pope Francis’ message on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord serves as a reminder for all Christians to reflect on the sacrament of baptism, to cultivate faith in their families, and to remain committed to prayer and service to others in times of crisis.

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