Mass for babies who died before Baptism – Life on the Chrism Trail

Homily for Mass for Babies Who Died Before Baptism

October 14, 2023
Saint Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Isaiah 25:6a, 7-8b
Psalm 25:4-5ab, 6, 7b, 17,20
Matthew 11:25-30

“On this mountain He will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, the web that is woven over all nations. He will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; the reproach of His people He will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.” The veil of death about which Isaiah speaks has many layers in which human beings have been shrouded and obscured since our first parents sinned in disobedience in the Garden of Eden. There is first the bitter experience of death whereby human beings are separated from each other and where there formerly was a father, or a mother, or a sister, or a friend, now remains only a gap with bittersweet memories and a tear in the fabric of one’s life.

Homily for the Mass for Babies who Died before Baptism

October 9, 2021
St. Patrick Cathedral
Fort Worth, Texas

Isaiah 25:6-10a
Psalm 23
Mark 10:13-16

The Rite for Baptism of Infants calls for two anointings. The first anointing is to be administered by the priest and deacon with the Oil of Catechumens applied to the chest of the infant. This anointing is to take place before the Baptism is administered with the pouring of water. Then Baptism is administered by the priest or deacon by pouring the water over the head of the infant while saying simultaneously the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” There soon follows the second anointing with the Holy Chrism applied by the priest or deacon on the crown or forehead of the infant which signifies the newly baptized infant’s being anointed into the common priesthood, the prophetic office, and the kingship of Christ. Two anointings. One takes place before Baptism and the second one takes place after Baptism. Why?