Newly Christened!

We welcomed Mateo into the Catholic Church this weekend! We celebrated his baptism in the church of San Tirso, in the rural Asturian community of Candamo. Our dear friend Javier (the priest who married us 2 1/2 years ago) is the pastor of San Tirso and presided over what was a beautifully intimate ceremony, mass and confirmation of the illuminating Faith in which we hope to raise Mateo. The small church choir, with whom Bernardo and I have shared masses and dinners over the past years, joined us for the baptism and their joyful a capella singing (which included a soul-stirring "Alleluia" and a spirited song which incorporated Mateo's name at the conclusion of the baptismal rite) brought such light into the small chapel.

An especially meaning component of the baptism was when Javier invited each of us in the church to make the sign of the cross on Mateo's head as he did, a sign that we are welcoming Mateo into the Church as a community of believers. Javier told is that it is a gesture that calls back to acts of the earliest Christians. The religious antiquity of our surroundings and the history underlying the sacrament were inspiring and we are so happy to make Mateo a part of it.



The church of San Tirso. The apse dates from the 14th century and the nave from the 17th century. It is nestled in the green hills of Candamo, outside of Oviedo.




Alfonso (Mateo's Godfather), Bernardo holding Mateo, a very happy mama, and Maria (Bernardo's sister and Mateo's Godmother). Mateo is wrapped in the beautiful blanket that Aunt Chrissy made for him, which arrived a couple of days earlier. The stone window to the left of us is original from the 14th century apse of the church.




With Javier and Mercedes (now 6 years old and a perfect alter server during the mass) in the chapel after the baptism.





Celebrating with the choir and members of the town over cookies and mass wine at the door of the church. The choir told us that they see Bernardo and me as family, and Mateo as one of their sons.



The family, outside of the church, with newly baptised Mateo (looking particularly relaxed in this photo.)