The Baptism of Our Lord and Baptismal Anniversaries

Christ was incarnate without the stain of original sin and therefore did not seek baptism for their forgiveness. Rather, He sought to be baptized as an example to his fallen people. This is why in our home the ways we celebrate Christ’s baptism and the Baptismal Anniversaries of our family members have a lot of overlap.

In addition to praying the day's collect prayer and a Scripture reading, on both occasions we light candles in remembrance of our baptisms, renew our Baptismal Promises (partial indulgence) and sing songs in thanksgiving of this gift of grace, that mankind can be made part of the family of God through this womb of the Church.

For the specific person whose baptism is being celebrated, we sing a song I made up, "Happy Baptism to You." I have included the text in this booklet.

Although in some Eastern European countries folks enjoy a frigid winter dip in open water to mark our Lord's baptism, our family much prefers to dip food instead. Chips with salsa, vegetables and fruit with dip, bread with oil, and fondue always go over well at our house. We also try to include white foods to highlight baptism's removal of original sin when possible. Dipping candles in preparation for their blessing on Candlemas (February 2nd) is another fun activity we associate with the day. 

For Baptismal Anniversaries, like Namedays and Birthdays, our children like to pick the menu and make sure there is a little nod to the Saint of the day.

For more on the history of this feast see this Episode of

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Feast Day Music

"Happy Baptism to You"

"On Jordan's Banks the Baptist Cries"

"Songs of Thankfulness and Praise"

Free Listening: Vidi Aquam • Tomas Luis de Victoria 

Feast Day Picture Study

Click on each painting for a printable version

Michael Angelo Immenraet • The Baptism of Jesus Christ

Pietro Perugino • Baptism of Christ

Francesco Albani • The Baptism of Christ