baptism
...Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (CCC 1223) Since Baptism signifies liberation from sin and from its instigator the devil, one or more exorcisms are pronounced over the candidate. The celebrant then anoints him/her with the oil catechumens, or lays him hands on them and he renounces Satan. A prayer of epiclesis consecrates the baptismal water. The Church asks God that through his Son the power of the Holy Spirit may be sent upon the water, so that those who will be baptized in may be 'born of water and spirit'. Perfumed oil consecrated by the bishop signifies the gift of the Holy Spirit to the newly baptized. The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened us. In him the baptized are 'the light of the world'. (CCC 1237-1243) When I was baptized the name chosen for me was Jonathan. It was chosen after my grandfather had passed away and he was a great man of faith and good morals. The name Jonathan means God's gracious gift. According to my mother the day of October 4th 1987 was cool but sunny and the leaves had already begun to change colour. I was only 2 ½ months old when I was brought in to St. Gregory's, my neighbourhood parish, to be baptized in ...