Gabriel's Blessing/Babtisim

As most of you know, Roman Catholicism is by far the largest religion in Italy. Although the Catholic Church is no longer officially the state religion, 87.8% of Italians identify themselves as Roman Catholic, even if only about one-third of these describe themselves as active members (36.8%) Therefore, Enrico's Sister, Cristiana had Gabriel blessed and babtized. Catholics believe that baptism is necessary for the cleansing of the taint of the original sin, and for that reason infant baptism is a common practice. "It is Necessary for salvation for those to whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who have had the possibility of asking for this sacrament..." Babtisim is done usually by pouring water in the West, by submersion or immersion in the East; sprinkling water is admitted only if the water then flows on the head. (More or less the same as Latter day Saints)

The sprinkling of water on the head

Godmother drys the baby's head

The priest then gives the baby a blessingThe Family or "La Famiglia" !

Carlotta and her cousins Camilla and Chiara

I don't think he was too happy all dressed up!!

Grandma Marinella & Grandma Franca

Godmother Simona (also the Auntie)

Godfather Luigi (also the Uncle) & Godmother Simona

Luigi, Rafaele, Cristiana & Simona

Crudele Family
Cristiana, Rafaele, Gabriel & Carlotta
Enrico & his 95 year-old Grandma Lucia
Gabriel & I

Again Gabriel & I
I just loved this pix of him yawning!