What's up Steemians!
Apart from the Christmas celebration, we were also a bit busy with another family affair in the past few days. I am so much delighted to introduce to you the newest addition to our family, my little one-month old niece Hermione Brielle. A few days ago, we have had a small gathering for our little bundle of joy. It was her christening. Indeed, we had a sort of family reunion from my mother's side, as some of the attendees were my cousins, aunts and uncles from the maternal side.
The Sacrament of Baptism
In the Catholic Church, we welcome the infants to the Catholic faith through the Sacrament of Baptism. While we're still infants, we're baptized to be cleansed and be freed from the original sin that we were born with.
"To the Catholic Church, original sin isn’t a personal sin of the unborn, but a sin transmitted from generation to generation by birth. All men and women are born with original sin, and only Baptism can wash it away. Baptism can be regarded as a vaccine against sin." --- (dummies.com)
Last Sunday, Baby Hermione's christening took place. She was adorably dressed in white garment.
This white garment symbolizes 'purity of faith and the cleansing power of Baptism'. It also represents the white garments that Jesus wore after his death, when he was placed in the tomb. (reference)
Why choose the name Hermione Brielle?
According to this little angel's mother Sheeny, her research says, "Hermione" in Ancient Greek is a female given name derived from "Hermes", the messenger of the gods. Another thing is, Hermione is the popular fictional character played by Emma Watson in the Harry Potter installments. Hermione happens to be the favorite character of Sheeny's husband.
The name "Brielle" on the other hand, is Sheeny's personal choice. In Hebrew, it means heroine of God. In the Irish origin, it means strong.
Because my little niece has a pretty much long name, she was given a lot of nicknames and variations of her name. While I prefer calling her "Baby Yel", some of her godparents have their own self-made nicknames for her, such as "Yowne" and "Yanyan". My mother even created her a classic and old school name out of Hermione, she called her "Herminia". Some of her parents' friends call her "Hermi". It's absolutely fascinating.
A photoop at the church after the baptism together with her parents and the godparents.
Well, we have yet to ask Baby Hermione Brielle, on which nickname she prefers the most, several years from now when she's all grown up. :)
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