BORN FOR GREATER THINGS - AD MAJORA NATUS

SAINT ALOYSIUS COLLEGE CHAPEL

ST. IGNATIUS

Yesterday , I had the rare privilege of attending an infant Baptism outside the family circle. It was a marvellous occasion , the Sacrament being conferred after Holy Mass concelebrated by the Good Jesuit Father Greg Jordan S.J. - surely the best thing ever to have come out of New Zealand , and now a long term giant of the Church in Australia, together with Father Martin Aye Ngwe, the Burmese Priest now incardinated as a Priest of the Archdiocese of Sydney where he will be accorded the dignity his Priesthood merits. Father Martin was so poorly treated in the Diocese of Broken Bay by Bishop David Walker that he had no alternative but to have his Burmese Bishop arrange his re-assignment to Cardinal Pell's Archdiocese.


It was a great joy to be in the Chapel of Saint Aloysius'College where my son Matthew had been a student  for several years.The family whose baby - named Maximillian - was to receive Baptism, has two older sons Ignatius and Aloysius so you might sense a Jesuit affinity. Several other familíes with goodly numbers of children were in attendance, and the Baptismal Font was never wanting attention.

The Baptism begins and the Font is appropriately surrounded by children.

It was a delightful occasion in so many respects , none more than Father Greg Jordan's as always highly intelligent homily and remarks later at the Baptism. He reminded us of the great privilege that is ours, and was also that of baby Maximillian : to be a brother,or sister of Jesus Christ , reminding us of Jesus'words to Mary Magdalene "I have yet to ascend to My Father and To your Father..."

"I BAPTISE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER ,AND OF THE SON, AND OF THE HOLY SPIRIT"

Throughout the liturgies of the Mass and Baptism Father Jordan wore the beautiful Chasuble belonging to the Saint Aloysius Chapel - decorated with the lily for the virginal purity of Saint Aloysius and the Ducal Crown symbolising the noble title he had by right but had foregone to  serve Our Divine Lord.

When all was done and we retired into the inner chambers of the College for refreshments, I had a further joyful privilege- for about half an hour I was able to nurse the newest Catholic in the World, who remained blissfully content to be gently rocked in my arms. It was a privilege and a great joy. Deo Gratias for the Graces of Baptism that makes us members of His Mystical Body - the Catholic Church.