Baptism With Panache

Today at Children's Mass we had a baptism for a little boy. He was dressed in a fine white suit, with an interesting and beautiful white stole around his shoulders. For the baptism, the glass cover was removed from a cross shaped hole in the floor, all of marble, wooden steps were placed on each side, and the parents and god parents descended down into the Cross, holding the baby. The priest descended about 3 feet down into another hole at the side of the cross and proceeded with the baptism. After the baby was suly dunked, the godmother placed a white satin mitre-shaped hat on his head. I believe this represents the glow of holiness.

These regular Sunday masses are quite dramatic here. Always at least 6 altar servers, incense, and two candle bearers who move around according to where the action is: lead the procession, stand beside the lectern during readings, flank the altar during the Canon and Consecration, beside those giving Communion, at least the priest and the deacon, lead the procession out.

An extra touch today: at the end of Mass, Father told the folks it is RD's 71st birthday. There was warm, prolonged applause, everyone gave him a good abrazo on leaving the church. A few even pressed a few pesos upon him. One peso = m/l $.10 US, and we are always very touched when someone feels moved to give us a few. That is very sacred money.

Then some other friends took us to a pig out Restaurant for a Sunday Buffet. Yum!