www.byzcath.org Forums General Discussions Town Hall Céline Dion baptize her twins in the Melkite Rite

Through the photo we see the celebrant was Arch. Jean Faraj, Superior of the Salvatorian Order with the assistance of, as it seem, a Maronite priest.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20471561,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines

Some media reported the babies were generated in vitro. It is noteworthy, just to explain, and not to condemn, the Church is against that artifical method.

It's sad, and representative of the decline of Christianity in society, that a musician who hasn't released a hit in the best part of a decade having their child baptised (in whatever rite) is considered newsworthy. That was the once the societal norm, even up to twenty or thirty years ago.

It is my understanding from someone that traced it down, her husband is Melkite.

? The woman, has to my knowledge, lived a life free from the type of hype and scandal that besmirches many celebrities. Why be bitter? Rejoice that she and her husband have joined their precious children to the body of Christ and His Church.

Glory be to Jesus Christ!!

Let's not be judgmental. It's Great Lent. Let's, rather, rejoice that these children are part of the Body of Christ. How they came to be--that's past. They're here and need to be welcomed into the family of humanity and the family of believers.

Bless, Lord, the new members of Your Body.

. . . let me see my own transgressions and judge not my brother . . .

Bob

Hey, I wasn't criticising her; I was criticising the media, and society, by noting that baptism has become so rare that when someobody does it (in this case someone who doesn't make the news often,to be fair) it is a news event.

That was my point, that what was once practically a given for most people in countries like the US and Australia (recieving baptism) has now become an optional event, the practice of which is so rare amongst people in any sort of media spotlight that it merits comment.

To appreciate the significance of this event it helps to have some kind of inkling of just how secularised and Catholic-Church-hating Quebecker society has become since the "Quiet Revolution" of the 1960s. And that's the milieu Ms. Dion originates in.
That she comes from a large family and was married at the Basilica of Notre-Dame on the Place d'Armes in Old Montreal AND that she had the children baptised is quasi-miraculous in my books.
I think it's GREAT.

Glory to God for all things!

In my experience working in the RCIA in a Latin parish children are frequently the motivation for parents to come into the Church or if already Catholic then to begin learning about and practicing their faith again after years of minor connection with the Church.

May these children and their older brother be blest to grow in faith in the rich faith traditions East and West of their parents.

Actually, the priest priest vested in cope is Rev. Msgr. Kevin W. McAuliffe, J.C.L, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

I think you mean Melkite.

Bob

The other priest I think is the RC priest of the church the Melkite baptism took place in.

To wrap up what seems to have become a sticking point in the thread

- the Melkite priest seen on the right in the photo is (as Philippe noted) Father Archimandrite Jean Faraj, BSO, Superior General of the Basilian Salvatorian Order.

- Deacon John has identified the priest seen on the left as (not Maronite, as Philippe had believed) but Latin, being Msgr Kevin W McAuliffe, JCL, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, at which the infant's chrismation took place.

That resolved, I'm not sure that there's a lot more to add, other than to pray that the infant be blessed with many years in health, happiness, and love of God.

The thread appears to have run its course; thanks to all who contributed; it is now closed.

Many years,

Neil