the Christening

It was going to be a very special day.  Not only was it Christening Day for the twins, but it also happened to be Baron's birthday. So the castle had been decorated for the party afterwards. 

Before the Ceremony

​Naomi had sewn two beautiful Christening gowns for her babies, and before heading off to the cathedral, they all posed for some family portraits.

Arriving at the Cathedral

The Christening was going to be a private affair, with just the parents, the Godparents, and the Grandparents in attendance.
Lawrence and Monica were already at the cathedral, when the others arrived...

The Bishop greeted Baron and Naomi.

...while Miho and Dominic held the babies...

"I'd like to welcome you here today."

"Today is a special day, as your children take their first steps in their lifelong journey of faith.
​I understand it's your birthday today as well, Sir.  So, it's a doubly special day for you."

Then the Bishop addressed the others present...​"Welcome to each one of you. We are here together today to participate in the Christening sacrament, and to give thanks and celebrate our joy in the arrival of these precious children."

"Baron and Naomi have invited you to share in their joy today.  They are aware of the great responsibility that is now theirs. A great deal of their lives will now be involved in caring for their children, and guiding them through the many paths of life, and they look forward to your continuing involvement with their children's lives in the years ahead."

"As the years go by, their role as parents will be assisted and enhanced by each one of you here today."

He turned to Baron and Naomi, "Baron and Naomi, will you do all that you can to provide your son and daughter with love, comfort, encouragement, sustenance, shelter, and protection from harm?"

"Yes, we will."

"Have you chosen Godparents for your children?"

"Yes, we have.  Their Majesties, the King and Queen have consented to be their Godparents."

The Bishop addressed Lawrence and Monica.
"Will your Majesties do all that you can to help and support Baron and Naomi in the bringing up of their son and daughter. And to promise to these children that you will always be a part of their lives to offer love and support?"      
​"Yes, we will."

"I now ask for the Godparents to bring forward the children to be Christened."

So, Miho and Dominic passed their grand-babies over to Lawrence and Monica...

Daniel

Monica approached the altar with baby Daniel...

The Bishop asked Baron and Naomi what they had named their son.

Then he sprinkled a few drops of Holy water on the baby's forehead.

 "I hereby Christen you Daniel Ian Alexander."

"Today we officially welcome you into the faith."

"We wish you long life and much happiness."

"May you continue to bring great joy to your parents..."

"...and to your grandparents...."

"...and to your family and friends,"

"...and to all those who come to know you."

Fiona

Then Monica stepped back,

 and Lawrence stepped forward with baby Fiona...

The Bishop again addressed Baron and Naomi.

"What is the name you have given your daughter?"

They told him her name.

The Bishop sprinkled some Holy water on her little forehead....

"I hereby Christen you Fiona Amelia Elizabeth."

"We wish you long life and much happiness."

"May you continue to bring great joy to your parents,"

"..and to your grandparents, and all those who come to know you."

"May beauty delight you and happiness uplift you and your brother."

"May wonder fulfill you, and love surround you both."

"May your steps be steady, and your arms be strong."

"May your hearts be peaceful, and your words be true."

"Today is the beginning of a lifelong journey for all of you. May you seek to learn, and may you learn to really live..."

"May you live to love, and may you love - always."​

* next - Baron's Birthday

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All Rights Reserved

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