Pope Benedict XVI baptized 16 infants in the Sistine Chapel on January 8, the feast of the Baptism of Christ, and reminded the childrens’ parents and godparents of their duties to promote the children’s faith, according to Catholic Culture.
The Pope’s homily touched on the importance of receiving the sacraments and a strong religious education:
He urged the parents and godparents to refresh themselves continually from the “wells” that are the sacraments and the Word of God. Without that constant refreshment, he said, “we are no longer able to educate others.”
“Parents are not the well, just as we priests are not the well,” the Pope remarked. Religious instruction, he said, must always point beyond the teacher to the ultimate source of faith.
“Education,” the Holy Father said, “becomes a wonderful mission if it is done in partnership with God, who is the first true educator of every man.”
You can read more about the Pope’s homily at Catholic Culture.
Adam Wilson
CNS Staff
Matthew Archbold
Charlotte Hays
