Keshure's Baptism

On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, I had the pleasure of seeing a friend baptized into the Body of Christ, the Church, and be received into full communion with Her. Keshure has been attending catechism classes and hanging out and helping our parish altar servers for some time now, but unfortunately, because of he was not baptized, he could not serve at God's altar.

But through the prayers of his devout mother, his Hindu father had finally withdrawn his long-standing opposition and allowed Keshure to be baptized. We had initially planned for the baptism to take place secretly despite his father's opposition, but at the last moment, permission was granted. Praise God!

The Rite took place in the evening, before Mass.
Here's some photos I took of that joyous occasion.

Although we're supposed to gather at the threshold of the Church, Father decided that we'd just do it inside, at the foot of the chancel.


The expectant Christopher. He was actually quite nervous. But I had just gone through the liturgy with him, so everything went ok, almost.
I had actually expected the Rite of Baptism for Children to be used and so practiced with that, but Father decided on the adult rite instead.


The legion of fans.


The rite begins. Father asks Christopher what he asks of God's Church.


The proud Godparents, James and Gina.


Christopher was asked to bare his heart to God for the anointing of the chest with Holy Oil.


The profession of faith.


The moment. Veni Sancte Spiritus.
I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.





Anointing with the Sacred Chrism.


Clothing with the white garment. In typical fashion, our pastor decided to use his stole instead of the white garment of purity.

Bring that dignity unstained into the everlasting life of heaven.





Receive the Light of Christ.


The happy Christopher.


Receiving the applause of family and friends, now brothers and sisters in Christ.


His proud mother Helen, receiving hearty congratulations.


The Body and Blood of Christ.
Keshure receiving Jesus, His Lord and Saviour for the first time.


Kisses all around.


Mother, sister, Godparents, Father and a busybody (extreme right, in green), lining up for a photo after Mass.


We then adjourned, in true Asian tradition, for a sumptuous dinner cum barbecue.


The following day, the Feast of St. Blaise, Keshure served Mass.
Here's what he looks like vested in an alb.