BE TEACHERS OF THE FAITH TO NEWLY BAPTIZED CHILDREN

VATICAN CITY, JAN 10, 1999 (VIS) - Today, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, John Paul II celebrated Mass in the Sistine Chapel, and conferred the Sacrament of Baptism on 19 babies from Italy, Switzerland, France and Poland.

In his homily, the Pope said that through Baptism, the children, "made participants in the mystery of the death and resurrection of Christ, will be enriched with the gift of faith and will be incorporated into the people of the new and everlasting Covenant, which is the Church. The Father will make them his adoptive sons and daughters in Christ."

"I hope that the Baptism which these children receive today may make them courageous witnesses of the Gospel throughout their lives. This will be possible through their constant commitment. What will also be necessary are your educational efforts, dear parents, ... as well as the support of godparents."

The Holy Father concluded by asking the parents of the children to be "'teachers of the faith' so that the seed of new life will develop and reach full maturity in them. Help them with your words and, above all, with your example. May they learn from you early in life to love Christ."

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