EIGHTEEN NEWBORNS BAPTIZED IN SISTINE CHAPEL

VATICAN CITY, JAN 9, 2000 (VIS) - In the Sistine Chapel today, feast of the Baptism of the Lord, John Paul II celebrated Mass and administered the Sacrament of Baptism to 18 newborns from Italy, Switzerland, Spain, the United States and Brazil.

In his homily, the Pope recalled that "the Baptism of the Lord came about within the context of John the Baptist's penitential preaching. The ritual gesture of immersion in water, proposed by the precursor of the Messiah, was an exterior sign of penance for sins committed and of desire for spiritual renewal."

"How can we not give thanks to the Lord," exclaimed the Pope, "who today calls these 18 babies to become his children in Christ? We embrace them with our prayer and our affection. ... With great happiness we welcome them into the Christian community which, from today, is truly their family."

The Holy Father expressed the desire that the newborns would "grow in the faith they receive today, so that they may soon actively participate in the life of the Church." Addressing the parents, he continued: "These children must find in you, and in their godfathers and godmothers, a support and guide on the path of fidelity to Christ and the Gospel. Be for them an example of solid faith, of profound prayer and of active commitment in church life."

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