Baptism Is Beautiful, Says Pontiff

VATICAN CITY, JAN. 9, 2011 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is encouraging the faithful to "rediscover the beauty of being baptized and belonging to the great family of God."

The Pope made this invitation today, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, before praying the midday Angelus with those gathered in St. Peter's Square.

He called the commitment of baptism "a great responsibility, which comes from a great gift!"

"I would like to encourage all of the faithful to rediscover the beauty of being baptized and belonging to the great family of God," the Holy Father said, "and to giving a joyous witness to their own faith so that they might bear the fruits of goodness and concord."

The Pontiff noted how each baptized person "acquires the character of son from the name Christian, indisputable sign that the Holy Spirit brings man to be born 'again' from the womb of the Church."

He continued: "Blessed Anotonio Rosmini says that 'the baptized person undergoes a secret but most powerful operation by which he is raised up to the supernatural order, he is placed in communication with God.'"

The Bishop of Rome concluded by entrusting to Mary, Help of Christians, the "parents who are preparing their children for baptism and catechists as well. May the whole community share in the joy of being reborn by the water of the Holy Spirit!"

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