by Julian Pillay
Alleluia Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!
This statement was lived out and experienced at our Easter worship service as six candidates were presented to God in Holy Baptism in the Parish of Riverview.
This was a very meaningful and significant service as candidates, together with their sponsors, declared reverential promises to God.
The Gospel reading was taken from St. Matthew 28:16-20 based on the Great Commission. This was an appropriate reading given the candidates and their sponsors represented many countries and cultures of the globe.
The homily reminded parishioners of Christ’s call to discipleship and that the whole church must take the whole gospel to the whole world, baptising new disciples in the name of the Triune God.
The first candidate to go through the waters of Baptism was three-month-old Munachi. The name Munachi is derived from the Igbo people of Nigeria and means “I am in the company of my God” — a very fitting and appropriate name!
Next was two-year-old Paschal whose parents fled the war in South Sudan and ended up living in Uganda as refugees for eight years before landing in Canada in 2024. After arriving in Riverview, they called our church office, made enquiries and asked if they could attend services.
After praying with the dad over the phone, Michelle, our parish administrator, invited them to worship. The next Sunday when they visited, they felt right at home. It turned out that they were members of the Anglican Church in South Sudan!
Four-year-old Laura and her two-year-old brother Lucas, originally from Panama and Venezuela, followed suit.
Mum and dad spoke very little English, as Spanish is their mother tongue. Even though the family currently attend a Spanish fellowship in Moncton, they were determined to present their children to God in baptism.
I was very moved and encouraged by their perseverance. The mum first contacted us a year ago and they waited patiently to celebrate this special day in the lives of their children.
They didn’t let language, distance or any other barrier prevent them from presenting their children to God.
I am reminded of the many stories in the Gospels where parents would defy all odds just to bring their children to Jesus.
There was a comedic moment during the ceremony when little Laura, with her mouth wide open, tried to drink the baptismal water. She was very disappointed that she couldn’t!
The sounds of “holy laughter” could be heard all over the sanctuary from the crowd. This is definitely one episode that the family will remember for a very long time.
During the offertory, a pre-recorded Spanish gospel song was played via the sound system. Many of the Spanish-speaking friends and family in attendance were able to sing along and worship God in their mother tongue.
Cameron and Dan are from the Riverview and Moncton area. They both have amazing testimonies of how God has worked in their lives and how He has brought them to a point of faith.
It excites me to hear stories of grace, forgiveness and new life in Christ. Cameron, a young man, experienced God’s grace firsthand when he witnessed his uncle’s (a retired priest) joy and humility during his fading health.
The Spirit began to witness and tug at Cameron’s heart and brought him to a point of faith.
Dan, whose wife passed away recently, decided to return to church after many years. He felt the warmth and move of God in his life.
Dan, in his 70s, often says he may be the oldest person to be baptised in the parish, to which I gently remind him that no one is too old to become a child of God!
All candidates, together with the godparents and sponsors, joined in the recessional as flags from their countries of birth or ancestry were jubilantly waved.
This was quite an eventful celebration as the festival continued in the hall. Parishioners presented cards, gifts, notes of encouragement and support to the newly baptised, followed by refreshments and snacks.
Our parishioners were wonderful hosts for this event in generously providing refreshments and snacks. Our parish is blessed to have a great ministry team who serve in so many wonderful and kind ways.
I give thanks to God that we could all play a small part in the Great Commission!
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. - Ephesians 4:4-6
The Rev. Julian Pillay is the rector of the Parish of Riverview.
Photo captions:
1. Candidates, sponsors and Godparents are shown at the baptismal service on Easter Sunday in the Parish of Riverview, with the Rev. Julian Pillay.
2. Munachi, whose name means, “I am in the company of my God,” during his baptism.
3. One of the children is baptized.
4. Group shot of the many involved in the Easter Sunday baptism in Riverview.
Submitted photos