Little Julia Mary was about to become the 32nd baby that Father Yohan Serrano has baptized in the course of his priesthood. Eliciting good-natured chuckles from the family and friends who were gathered, the warm, engaging parochial vicar of St. Lawrence the Martyr Parish in Chester smiled as he declared that Julia Mary, like the 31 babies before her, would not cry as the sacramental waters were to be poured over her head. He had a special way with babies, he humbly explained, and as a result, a perfect record of no tears.
As his voice took on a soothing, melodic tone, at times even changing to gentle song, Father Yohan anointed the baby and then poured the waters of Baptism over her head while she rested in her father’s arms. Just as Father Yohan promised, Julia Mary did not cry, not even when the priest took her from her father and held her high – “Lion King” style – in a triumphant gesture that celebrated this new member of the Church.
This joyful moment of the Baptismal rite was a fitting ending to what had been a beautiful and uplifting ceremony for all in attendance. Father Yohan didn’t just conduct the sacramental rite; he explained every part of it with a special enthusiasm, drawing everyone into an understanding of what Baptism means for all of us. He not only enlightened and catechized the one to be baptized, but all who witnessed the moment that Julia Mary entered into relationship with Christ.
Father Yohan emphasized that this sweet little baby of our dear friends now shares in the three-fold mission of Christ as priest, prophet and king. And by extension, all who were consecrated to God and anointed by the Holy Spirit, were joined to Christ in speaking God’s truths; in sacrificing for others to draw them closer to God, and in bringing Christ into all aspects of the lives we lead.
We might wonder what this world would be like if every baptized person took to heart the gifts and the mission they had received in that Sacrament. How much better might things be in this earthly journey if every baptized person led lives aligned with Christ as priest, prophet and king. How often do we even think of these roles we have been called to play?
Though I have experienced the Baptism of my own children and grandchildren, along with countless other loved ones over the years, I had to tell Father Yohan that the Baptism he had just conducted was the best I have ever witnessed. It was more clear than it had ever been that the Baptism of a baby is a prime and unique opportunity for our parishes to catechize, evangelize and inspire, especially when conducted with the kind of emotion and commitment exemplified by this joyful priest in this little country church. A priest who, I’m guessing, will maintain his perfect record of no crying during Baptism for many years to come.