Why was Jesus baptized?
Here are some answers to the most common questions about the sacrament of Baptism: what it is, the origin of the term, why Jesus was baptized, when the practice of Baptism began in the Church, and how this sacrament is celebrated.
From Malaysia to Vienna: "Mom, I want to be baptized!"
A Malaysian woman and her daughter found a new home in Vienna – and also their new faith in Christ. They discovered the beauty of the Catholic faith through the Stella School in Vienna.
“I discovered God little by little, through the affection of my friends”
When Fiona was born, her parents decided not to baptize her so that, when she was older, she should decide for herself. It was thanks to the example her friends that this came about.
A letter to my Child
On 16th of May, Pope Francis concluded his series of Wednesday catechesis on the Sacrament of Baptism. Here is a short story on how keen one couple in East Africa was to have their first born baby baptised.
1 mother, 1 medical student, 1 newborn, 1 baptism
On Sunday 13th May, many people across the world celebrated Mothers' Day. On Wednesday 9th, Pope Francis had continued his catechesis on the Sacrament of Baptism. Here is a a story from a young medical student in East Africa helping mothers get their babies baptised.
"Baptism is a gift from the Holy Spirit"
"Baptism gives us strength for our daily struggle, even the struggle against the devil who like a lion tries to devour us," Pope Francis said in his April 25 general audience.
Young Refugees Prepare for Baptism in Salzburg
In 2017, 860 adults were baptized in Austria, many of them refugees. This is the story of Dieter and some of his friends who are preparing for baptism this year, in Salzburg.
Life becomes simpler when we pray
Zhonghua Wang is from Beijing and studies in Germany. She tells how she comes to be baptized by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, during the Easter Vigil, 2011.
Commentary on the Gospel: the Baptism of the Lord (Year C)
Commentary on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." God want us to be part of his family. Let us ask our Blessed Mother Mary to help us appreciate the wonder of baptism, which makes us children of God.