OUR faith plays a crucial role in how we live our lives here on earth. Every decision we make from the moment we gain consciousness until our last breath is greatly influenced by what we believe in beyond our worldly realities.
I, for one, am a proud Christian Catholic as I try to live the teachings of our faith in my daily dealings with everyone. While it is a continuous struggle to live out our faith, I am always thankful and will forever be grateful that my parents gifted me with the faith that has become my anchor in all the storms I got to encounter. And so it is also quite exciting and truly worth celebrating when other parents decide to pass on their faith to their kids through baptism.
For Catholic Christians, the sacrament of baptism is our entry to the divine life, as it cleanses us from our sins and recognizes us as members of the Christian community. It is after all the foundation for all the sacramental life. In fact, among some of the religious groups, the day of baptism is even more important than one's birthday.
Kiah Carlyn's Baptism
Over the weekend, I was honored to get invited to be one of the godparents on the Christening of Dr. Jed Ariel and Ms. Elaine Marie's beautiful daughter Kiah Carlyn Legislador.
The sacrament of baptism was held at the beautiful chapel inside St. Padre Pio Garden, a resort owned by the family in Don Salvador Benedicto.
While the scenic view and the travel to the high mountains of Don Salvador Benedicto were one great story to tell, I'll reserve it for next article.
Back to the Christening, baby Kiah was welcomed to the Christian world by the parish priest of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Fr. Rodolfo Benlot Jr., who performed the rites of baptism.
In the Liturgy of the Word, Fr. Benlot shared to the faithful: "Today we have a reason to be joyful and to be grateful because we are also celebrating the third Sunday of Advent, which is a rejoicing Sunday as we wait for the coming of Christ. This sacrament of baptism is the foundation of Christian life as it gives us not only life but fullness of life."
"May Kiah grow as God-fearing and God-loving as she grows in faith, hope and love," the priest added.
It was indeed a day to remember as family and friends were one in prayer and celebration in welcoming Kiah Carlyn in the Christian world.
On a personal note, I hope that Dr. Jed and Ms. Elaine will continue to guide Kiah in living our faith as she grows older day by day. May she also find meaning in life through the Christian faith she is blessed with.
Happy Christening Kiah Carlyn Legislador!