As it came to be the ending months of the summer seasons and into the commencing of fall, the baptism of a young child took place. Within two months of this tiny child’s birth his mother and father carried him to the place of their worship, the church of St. Margaret. Well after midday on the holiest day of the week, the ceremony took place. Heat seeped into the room and cast a feeling of passion around. The child was to be called James William Knell from then forth. There was his family crowded around the font of baptism; all watching the baby become a member of their faith. Young and old, male and female stood and were cheerful at the event. The boy saw the father of his father, the siblings of his father, the father and mother of his mother, the siblings of his mother, the children of the siblings, and his very own sibling. All were present omitting the mother of the child’s father. She had regrettably taken sick and passed away but months before. Each wore formal dress as it was a momentous occasion in this child’s life. The smallest children remembered fondly of their own baptism and were struck with pride that their relationship with this boy would now run thick in spirit.
Not only was the space occupied by the family of this boy. No less than five other children were awaiting or had already received the sacrament of baptism. All families present acknowledged the gift of this moment and became one family united under one cause, the blessed children silenced under God. The boy’s turn had come at last.
The priest, garbed in white as was the child, turned to face the child. A smile was exchanged between them as the priest took the baby from the arms of the mother. Uttering words that could scarcely be heard by each other the members of the family prayed to the Heavens, as it was told from the mother. By the holy hand of the priest the oil of sacrament, as the grandmother labeled it, chrism, was anointed onto the forehead of the small child of Christ. In one of the hands of the priest was a golden saucer, which he placed into the water without the creation of any such ripples as would be expected. The saucer was brought out of the font, dripping of the holy water. The priest lifted his head and the gleaming saucer to the blazing ceiling, asking for it to be blessed once more. The baby was held over the fountain as the saucer was tipped and poured over his shining forehead. The father, nervous, claimed too much water had been poured and feared for the safety of his kin. The priest made the sign of the cross, first on himself and then on the boy, signifying the finality of the baptism.
The boy was given back to his mother, who proceeded to kiss him on the head, followed by a kiss from the father. The family retired to an empty pew, each person recognizing the beauty of the ceremony. James William Knell, recalling the events, knew he could feel the gift he had received. There was but one child left to be baptized and the family of the boy watched in silent awe, still mesmerized by the baptism of their very own family member. Gestures of gratitude were issued to the priest as he left to prepare for more ceremonies and occasions of joy. The family arranged to journey to the house of the boy, in order to celebrate.
The family split into several distinct groups by which to travel. The mother, father, and sibling of the boy traveled together, each person keeping a watchful and cherishing eye on the child of Christ. The celebration of the ceremony was underway mere moments after the baby boy had received the sacrament of faith. Each and every member of the family reflected back on the ceremony that had taken place in the church. Some related their thoughts directly to the boy, who absorbed every word and sound. Others kept their thoughts personal yet deep, though everyone present thought about the events that had transpired. Copious amounts of joy were swirling around the baby. Tangible gifts were bestowed upon the boy by his relatives. Examples include a Rosary painted gold. Though the boy will not remember the events, he will forever feel it in his heart.
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