VATICAN CITY, 11 JAN 2009 (VIS) - This morning, after administering the Sacrament of Baptism to thirteen infants in the Sistine Chapel, the Pope appeared at the window of his study to pray the Angelus with the thousands of people gathered in St. Peter's Square.
The Pope explained that today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas period, marks the moment in which Jesus, "having reached the age of around thirty, left Nazareth, and, coming to the River Jordan, allowed Himself to be baptised by John in the presence of many people".
"Through Baptism human beings are introduced into Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, and thus the words that sounded out from the heaven on the only begotten Son become true for all men and women who are reborn from water and the Holy Spirit: You are my Child, the Beloved".
"How great the gift of Baptism is!" the Pope exclaimed. "Were we fully aware of this, our life would be a continuous 'grace'. What joy it is for Christian parents who have seen their love blossom in a new creature, to bring it to the baptismal font and see it reborn in the bosom of the Church for a life that will never end! A gift, a joy, but also a responsibility".
The Holy Father affirmed that "parents and godparents must educate children in accordance with the Gospel", indicating that this led him to think of the theme of the Sixth World Meeting of Families, to be held from 14 to 18 January in Mexico City, Mexico: "The family, teacher of human and Christian values".
The Pope continued: "This great family meeting, organised by the Pontifical Council for the Family, will be divided into three phases: first a theological-pastoral congress, ... then a moment of celebration and witness, ... and finally a solemn Eucharistic celebration as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gifts of marriage, the family and life".
"I have", he concluded, "delegated Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. to represent me, but I myself will closely follow this extraordinary event, accompanying it with my prayers and participating through a television linkup".
ANG/BAPTISM FAMILY/... VIS 20090112 (370)
The Pope explained that today's Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, which concludes the Christmas period, marks the moment in which Jesus, "having reached the age of around thirty, left Nazareth, and, coming to the River Jordan, allowed Himself to be baptised by John in the presence of many people".
"Through Baptism human beings are introduced into Jesus' unique relationship with the Father, and thus the words that sounded out from the heaven on the only begotten Son become true for all men and women who are reborn from water and the Holy Spirit: You are my Child, the Beloved".
"How great the gift of Baptism is!" the Pope exclaimed. "Were we fully aware of this, our life would be a continuous 'grace'. What joy it is for Christian parents who have seen their love blossom in a new creature, to bring it to the baptismal font and see it reborn in the bosom of the Church for a life that will never end! A gift, a joy, but also a responsibility".
The Holy Father affirmed that "parents and godparents must educate children in accordance with the Gospel", indicating that this led him to think of the theme of the Sixth World Meeting of Families, to be held from 14 to 18 January in Mexico City, Mexico: "The family, teacher of human and Christian values".
The Pope continued: "This great family meeting, organised by the Pontifical Council for the Family, will be divided into three phases: first a theological-pastoral congress, ... then a moment of celebration and witness, ... and finally a solemn Eucharistic celebration as an act of thanksgiving to the Lord for the gifts of marriage, the family and life".
"I have", he concluded, "delegated Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. to represent me, but I myself will closely follow this extraordinary event, accompanying it with my prayers and participating through a television linkup".
ANG/BAPTISM FAMILY/... VIS 20090112 (370)
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