Friday, May 22, 2009
Losing my Religion
Oh no, it's almost June and I have not yet organized my daughter's baptism (again). It's been postponed thrice already! I was hoping I can do it in June when my Mom comes to Manila but unfortunately, she is not pushing through with her trip either. Boo hoo, I wonder when they will ever have a chance to meet!
Growing up in Catholic land called the Philippines, babies are normally baptized when they hit 3 months. Infants are not encouraged to travel before they are baptized because the devil might enter baby's body (ala Chuckie in Child's Play). Umm, my baby is already 13 months now. I wonder what my grandfather's reaction would be like if he saw I dressed up my baby as a devil for Halloween. Bad, bad mother! I guess you won't see me in heaven...
Kidding aside, I don't know how to organize the baptism in the Philippines when I am here in Hong Kong. Organizing her first birthday was already stressful and the party was just 5 minutes away from our house. Gosh, I can just imagine how it would be like once I start organizing events in China for work.
Of course, I want her family to be around her on this special day and that's tough since one grandma is in San Francisco while the other is in Spain. Her paternal grandfather is in Switzerland and her maternal grandfather is in the Philippines. Plus, older brother is in Paris. Not cool!
I asked a priest in Hong Kong if I can baptize her here and he asked me what parish I go to and that left me quiet for a moment. I said I never went to church in Hong Kong. Just imagine what kind of lecture I got from him... and asked me to rethink having my baby baptized if I can't bring her to church on Sundays. Uh oh! The fact that hubby, who is Protestant, does not help at all. Great!
When I brought my daughter home to Manila last March, I had to introduce her to little boy in our living called Santo Nino, explained that the crucifix is not a toy and Mama Mary is not Barbie. Of course, she didn't understand.
After living in Hong Kong for almost 4 years now (3 more to go and I am a permanent resident!), I have become less and less religious since most of the population are non- Catholic. But, I have a co-worker who grew up with no religion and yet is one of the kindest, sweetest persons I know. That got me thinking about the role of religion and its connection to our morals and values... does not always go hand in hand.
Don't worry, I don't plan that my baby become agnostic. I will baptize her soon, I promise! Hopefully by December this year. My only worry is are there christening gowns for toddlers? Maybe I can ask Rajo Laurel or Ivar Aseron to make one for her. Now I am excited, time for baby couture!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
here's something you may like... saw them at Rustan's. They're not your usual white christening gowns.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=466891&publicationSubCategoryId=83
Thanks Pam! Yes, Katrina Goulbourn emailed me to tell me about this new line of hers. Thanks for reminding. Now, I just have to set the date :P
ReplyDelete