By Baptism we become members of the Church, the Body of Christ.

On Saturday, March 24, we were blessed to have a Baptism in our small convent chapel. Let us share a little bit of the reason it took place the 5th Saturday of Lent: Two mothers of some of our kids came to us about a year ago asking for their children to be baptized. Nadia has two children, ages 9 and 1, and Elviane has four children, ranging from 8 months to 12 years. None of these children has the same father. Nadia and Elviane, however, were very serious in making this commitment so that their children could be baptized and become members of the Catholic Church.

They first spent the year going to the Cathedral for faith formation. Because of their stories, it was best that they be baptized in our chapel, so that the two smallest children can be baptized as soon as possible. The other children, varying from ages 8-12, participate in our children’s faith formation program.

Nadia and Elviane will continue their faith formation and prepare for the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation.

Here in Haiti, it is not easy for the poor to enter the Church. They do not have money for their birth certificates, clothes, or shoes. It is their tradition that the women wear a white suit for their baptismal ceremony. Thank God for Madam Omanie, who was able to prepare their outfits from some white material we found in the container. They also needed to find godparents, which they did. They were able to bring their children for the Mass and ritual. Of course, a few more showed from their extended family, which is not an unusual thing here.

Fr. Pierre Samson, pastor of the Cathedral, presided at the Mass. Sr. Inga read and Sr. Marilyn led the music.

God uses the sacrament of water to give his divine life to those who believe in him…Cleanse her from sin in a new birth to innocence by water and the Spirit.

This blessed oil gives wisdom and strength to all who are anointed with it in preparation for baptism…may he strengthen you with his power…

Receive the light of Christ…these children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the Light…

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins

and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The celebration continued with a delicious chicken dinner, prepared by our cook, Jeremine; and, of course, a baptismal cake was enjoyed by all.

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15