Baptism is not just a ritual or a tradition — Manila Archbishop
By Alexandria Grace Magno
Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula emphasized the significance of baptism as a sacrament in a person’s Christian life, during the Easter Vigil on April 8, Sunday.
Advincula explained in his homily at The Manila Cathedral, that baptism is more than just a rite or a tradition, it is a personal commitment that one makes to spend their lives as disciples of Christ.
“It is a public declaration that we choose to be part of a community of faith and that we are willing to walk the journey of faith with our brothers and sisters in Christ,” he reminded.
Advincula mentioned that apart from remembering the joyful day when Christ triumphed over sin and death and bestowed new life on those who trust in him, Catholics also gathered to commemorate the sacrament of baptism.
“We also celebrate the sacrament of Baptism…in which we die to our old selves and we rise with Christ to a new life,” he said in his homily at The Manila Cathedral.
He highlighted that through baptism, the faithful were joined to the body of Christ and they became members of His Church.
On the night of Easter Vigil, the Cardinal also encouraged everyone to renew their commitment to the Lord and His church by keeping in mind and putting into practice the promises they made at their baptism.
“Easter vigil should be a reminder of the power of Christ’s resurrection and importance of our participation in his church,” he said.
Advincula further discussed during the ceremony, the significance of lighting the Paschal candles and how it honored the proclamation of Christ’s resurrection.
“This light represents the triumph of life over death and it serves as a symbol of hope and renewal for all of us,” he said.
During the Easter Vigil, the candle is lit to represent the triumph of the light of Christ’s resurrection over the tomb’s shadow. The Paschal Candle, which symbolizes a new life in Christ, is also lit during baptisms.
“Through our baptism we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. And we are called to share in his mission, to bring light into the world,” Advincula said.
He then advised everyone to always keep an eye on the light of Christ while they are working together in the spirit of synodality.
“Let us never lose sight of the light of Christ that guides us along the way,” he added.
