Why taking new names at Baptism and Confirmation? - Rev. Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

CATHOLICSM: What we Believe, Teach and Practice.

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, wishing you a wonderful Sunday from this One, Big and Happy family: The Archive. In our second edition of our catechesis – CATHOLICISM: What we Believe, Teach and Practice, we bring to your insight what we as Catholics believe, teach and practice. In this edition, join with me your E-Catechist, as we journey together on the part of faith as we try to explain why new names are taken at the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation respectively. Therefore, in the course of this class, feel free to reach out to me for explanation if any through my WhatsApp number +2348 0668 90324. Feedback and question bothering you on Catholic faith are highly welcome. Feel free, as we are working together to lead aright. 

Thanks, and remain blessed in the Lord.

Your E-Catechist,

Rev. Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

General Editor 

CATHESIS #2 – 13062021 

Why taking new names at Baptism and Confirmation?

Answer:

Within the catholic faith, it is permissible to take a new name either at Baptism or Confirmation, at times different names at the reception of these two sacraments of initiation. The custom of taking new names at reception of these sacraments (baptism and confirmation) can be traced back to the early church. Church historians maintained that, the custom of conferring a new name on the candidate for these sacraments was of Apostolic tradition.

However, from the camp of some of the ecclesiastical scholars, there is an argument that some of the names of the early Christians were names of pre-Christians gods and goddesses which is inscribed on the Catacombs of Rome. A reference to the Epistles of St. Paul indicates that the names of pre-Christian gods and goddesses were used by his converts after their conversion as before. Hermes occurs in Romans 16:14, with a number of other purely pagan names, Epaphroditus in Phil. 4:18, Phoebe, the deaconess, in Romans 16:1. During the synods of Nicaea or Ancyra, similar names were found in the Christian inscriptions of the earlier period and in the signatories; also on the list of martyrs. 

In the history of the early Church, some names were derived from pagan mythology, religious rites, colours, agriculture, etc. Below serves as major references: 

* derived unchanged or but slightly modified from pagan mythology, e.g., Mercurius, Bacchus, Apollos (I Corinthians 16:12), Hermogenes (Romans 16:4), etc.

* from religious rites or omens, e.g., Augustus, Auspicius, Augurius, Optatus;

* from numbers, e.g., Primus, Primigenius, Secundinus, Quartus, Octavia, etc.

* from colours, e.g., Albanus, Candidus, Rufus, etc.

* from animals and birds, e.g., Agnes, Asellus, Columbia, Leo, Taurus, Ursula, etc.

* from agriculture, e.g., Agricia, Armentarius, Palmatinus, Stereorius, etc.

* from flowers, e.g., Balsamia, Flosculus, Narcissus, Rosula;

* from jewels, e.g., Chrysanthus, Margarites, Smaragdus;

* from military life or the sea, e.g., Emerentiana, Navigia, Pelagia, Seutarius, Thalassus;

*from countries, cities, rivers etc.; Afra, Cydnus, Galla, Jordanis, Macedonius, Maurus, Sabina, Sebastianus, etc.

from the months e.g., Aprilis, Januaria, Junia, etc.

* from personal qualities, etc., e.g., Aristo, Hilarius, Modestus, Pudens, etc.;

from servile condition, e.g., Servus, Servilianus, Vernacla;

* names of historical celebrity, e.g., Caesarius, Cornelia, Pompeius, Ptolemaeus, Vergilius.

While the ones with Christian origin and significance are as follows: 

apparently suggested by Christian dogmas, e.g. Anastasia, Athanasia, Christophorus, Redemptus, Restitutus, etc.

* from festivals or rites, e.g., Epiphanius, Eulogia, Natalis, Pascasia, Sabbatius and the frequently recurring Martyrius;

* from Christian virtues, e.g., Agape, Elpis, Fides, Irene, with such derivatives as Adelphius, Agapetus, Caritosa, etc.

pious sentiment, e.g., Adeodata, Ambrosius, Benedictus, Deogratias, etc., and possibly such names as Gaudentianus, Hilarius, Sozomen, Victorianus, Vincentius

BIBLICAL CUSTOMS ON TAKING OF NEW NAMES

In the Holy Scriptures both in the Hebrew (Old) Testaments and Christian (New) Testaments, there were events where people take up new names as a sign of a new life, beginning of another state, encounter, etc. Some of these events are:

- Abram was renamed “Abraham” when God appointed him to be the father of all nations (Genesis 17:3-8)

- Sarai took the name “Sarah”, when God chose her to be the mother of kings of the people (Genesis 17:15-16)

- Jacob was renamed “Israel” after his encounter with the angel of God with the mission to mediate God’s blessings for humanity (Genesis 32:23-30).

Another such event was when Moses changed the name of his aide from Hosea which meant “salvation” to “Joshua” meaning “the Lord gives” (Numbers 13:16) etc.

In the Christian Testaments, the following events at different point in time led to the take of a new name. 

- Jesus changed the name of one of His apostles Simon Bar-Jonah which meant “Simon Son of Jonah” to “Cephas” which is the Aramaic form of English meaning “Peter” when He mandated him to be the head of the Church (Matthew 16:16-18; John 1:42).

- Saul now “Paul” after his encounter with Christ to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 13:15)

- The apostles renamed Joseph, one of the disciples of Jesus, “Barnabas” meaning “son of encouragement” when he received the call to encourage people in their faith experience (Acts 4:36)

Conclusion

Having gone through “thick” and “thin” of taking of new names right from time immemorial. It is therefore pertinent to answer the question: Why taking new names at Baptism and Confirmation?

The rite of taking new names at these sacraments calls to mind a new beginning in the life of the candidate receiving the sacraments. Since the sacrament of baptism and confirmation are encounters at different point in time, they point to “new relationship with God.” The tradition as we have seen, is not strange to the scripture, it is from there that the Church derived her inspiration. 

Finally, taking a new name preferably after a saint encouraged one to model his or her life after the saint in question and then seek his or her intercession always.

See you next class!

Further Reading

- Herbert Thurston, Christian Names, in Charles Herbermann (ed.) Catholic Encyclopedia, New York: Robert Appleton Company, 1913. 

- Eusebius, Hist. Eccl. VII, XXV

- https://en.m.wkikpedia.org/wiki/Christian_name

Why making the sign of the Cross?

CATHOLICISM: What we Believe, Teach and Practice.

Dearest friend(s) in Christ, from this One, Big and Happy Family – The ARCHIVE we bring to you glad tidings on this great day of festival of the Church, the Solemnity of the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ. With joy, we wish to officially bring to your doorstep our long-awaited catechesis of our faith. “CATHOLICISM: What we Believe, Teach and Practice”. It is the second publication of The ARCHIVE – your one-stop E-Catholic Platform where Jesus remains “The Way, Truth and Life.”  The publisher of your favourite daily spiritual tonic – Divine Whisper.

In this first publication, we will make effort to answer the thought-provoking question: “Why the sign of the Cross?” The very identity of every Catholic brethren. Other publications will feature Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about what we as Catholics believe, teach and practice. Stay click on us, and we promise you a smooth ride round our faith – Catholicism.

Thank you, and remain blessed in the Lord. Together with you in prayers! 

I remain your E-Catechist, 

Rev. Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM

General Editor/Founder -The ARCHIVE

(June 6, 2021 Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ)

CATHESIS #1 – 05062021

Question: Why making the sign of the Cross?

Answer: The tradition of making sign of the cross at prayer, or marking it on objects goes back to the very early years of Christianity. This sign was done both at the beginning and end of prayers, as it is today, together with marking on the object as a sign of blessing. History has it that, in the first century the Christians then used thumb to sign only the forehead. While Tertullian one of the influential Fathers of the Church, in his writing dated 202 A.D., said: “At every step and movement, whenever we come in or go out, in dressing or in putting on our shoes, at the bath, at table, at the lighting of lamps, in going to rest, in sitting down, whatever employment occupies us, we mark our forehead with the sign of the Cross.”  

The current way of marking oneself with sign of the Cross by raising the right hand to the forehead, then to the breast, then from the left shoulder to the right while saying: “In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” began in the 4th century. This was developed alongside marking one’s forehead, lip and breast with the Trinitarian formula when the deacon or priest announced the gospel reading. The custom which is still invoke till date. In doing this, he or she is symbolically surrendering these parts of the body to Christ as a sign that he or she belongs to Christ who died on the Cross. As prophet Ezekiel utters, one is inviting God through the salvific power of the Cross to transform the stubborn mind (cf. Ezekiel 3:7). So as to be willing to listen to the Word; to circumcise (cf. Jeremiah 4:4); the stubborn heart (cf. Ezekiel 3:8) so that it can properly receive the word, proclaim it and then live it out. 

The Biblical Implications on the custom of making the sign of the Cross

Biblically, Cross is seen in the light of what is painful and mortifying to the flesh, trails and misfortune, a test of Christian faith, etc. Thus, Christ urged us to carry our crosses to follow Him. Then promising to lift it off from our shoulders (cf. Matthew 16:24).

However, when the scripture makes reference to the Cross, it refers to that which Christ died. And through this same “Wood of the Cross” that man was reinstated into “original grace” which he lost after the great fall (cf. Genesis 3:1ff.).

The biblical implication of the Cross is that, through it (the Cross) Christ paid the debt for our sins in full (cf. Colossian 2:14). Also, through the Cross, He got mankind reconciled to God, and the Jews and Gentiles united. (cf. Ephesians 2:16). Cross is also seen as an instrument of God’s salvation, which Jesus died and it remains till date a place where sin has been nailed and atoned for and pledges a new life in grace and virtue (cf. Romans 6:6; I Peter 1: 23)

With the above biblical passages, we can now see why the making of the sign of the Cross is a necessity as it reminded us of the symbol of our salvation and reconciliation to God through Christ’s paschal mystery of passion, death and resurrection. As St. Paul says: “Cross is the power of God to those who are being saved.” (I Corinthians 1:8); and destruction to those who are enemies of it (cf. Philippians 3:18-19).

Finally, even though it is not written in the Bible that Christians should mark themselves with the sign of the Cross. The tradition evolved right from the early time in the Church’s history, as a response to what Jesus had done for mankind through Cross. Therefore, we as Catholics identify with this icon of salvation as a mark of ownership to Christ who gave Himself to humanity. With the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross, the sign of Cross becomes the “sign of victory” and the principal symbol of the Christian religion.

Further Reading 

1.  Michael Bassey Scriptural Foundation for Church Practices, Ibadan: St. Pauls, 2008 p. 37

2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/sign-of-the-cross

3. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sign_of_the_cross

See you next week Sunday!

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

      21st Day with Blessed Virgin Mary

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

"... do you love me more than these?" (John 21: 15ff.)

Brethren in the Lord, a beautiful morning and happy weekend to you and your household from us here in this One, Big and Happy family - The ARCHIVE.

Obviously, the concept of "love" has been a protracted enigma among humanity from time immemorial. 

For some, love is all about what you can get in return from others, many see it as expression of closeness while others have different thought about it.

In ideal sense of it "true love" is that which one gives out without cost. It is unconditional, unseasoned in nature, it counts no wrong, it is not selective, or being categorized.

To define the real essence of this great virtue - love, our Lord and Master - Jesus Christ following Evangelist John, posed this fundamental question to the head of apostle - St. Peter

When [Jesus had revealed himself to his disciples and] they had finished breakfast, he said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." (John 21:15-19)

The question came in three patches, to be sure of his readiness to shoulder the cross of leadership entrusted to him.

This same call, is being puts before us now and then, in our daily endeavours. As christians, but the question is: How much do we love?

The answer to this fundamental question is personal, and it can be seen not in our responses rather in our daily actions. Let love beyond being loved. Let love be the language devoid of age, sex, religion and status. 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

O God, who by the glorification of your Christ and the light of the Holy Spirit have unlocked for us the gates of eternity, grant, we pray, that, partaking of so great a gift, our devotion may grow deeper and our faith be strengthened. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The ARCHIVE © 21052021

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

      20th Day with Blessed Virgin Mary

Mystery of the day: Glorious

"May they all be one;..." (John 17:21)

 Dearest friend in Christ, a beautiful morning to you.

On this 20th day with our Lady, a woman whose attribute is beyond compare, and her readiness to intercede  goes unlimited. The Church continue in her saving mission to nourish us with the Word.

In our today's world, we are engulfed with hatred, envy and betrayal. Thus, making us to question our existence, on why envy and hatred should order our relationship with others.

Today from the table of the Word, Evangelist John reminded us the very Word of exhortation by our Lord on "peaceful co-existence" saying:

"May they all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, so that the world may believe that you have sent me, says the Lord." (John 17:21)

This brings to our minds a call to unity, which is at the centre of our today's reflection.

How often do we betray, castigate, envy, hate, using others to climb to the apex?  Just because there is difference in age, sex, race, understanding, and culture. Why do we think we are better than others? Wether weak or strong, we have our own path to play. The intelligent needs half-thinking mind to instruct, for its own, intelligence is surplus to his need.

This admonition puts us aright to put behind us this vices "hatred and envy" and embrace the virtue of "love" which is the central attribute of our God.

Finally, brethren let us close this gap of indifferences and embrace love and peace. Then in doing this, we will be counted among those the tongue of fire (Holy Spirit) will be rested upon.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

May your Spirit, O Lord, we pray, imbue us powerfully with spiritual gifts, that he may give us a mind pleasing to you, and graciously conform us to your will. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

             The ARCHIVE © 20052021

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

       19th Day with Blessed Virgin Mary

Mystery of the day: Glorious

“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock..." ( Acts 20:28)

Beloved in Christ, a very beautiful morning to you and happy mid-week. 

It is with joy that we are together again this morning. From our tabloid, St. Paul admonished us with the exhortation:

“Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you guardians, to feed the church of the LORD which he obtained with his own blood."

( Acts 20:28-29)

The admonition, though directly addresd to the elders of the Church, also extended to each and every one of us who have been given one  responsibility or another.

We are being called to serve in various capacities, as parents, teachers, doctors, evangelists, environmentalists, etc. How do we carry out this Clarion call to service?

Today, we are reminded to feed our subjects, bearing in mind the cost of their salvation.

As we go out on our normal duties, let us not forget this injunction. Let it be our watch word, for in doing this; the owner of the vineyard will reward us well as faithful servant. 

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Grant graciously to your Church, O merciful God, that, gathered by the Holy Spirit, she may be devoted to you with all her heart and united in purity of intent. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The ARCHIVE © 19052021

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

       18th Day with Blessed Virgin Mary

Mystery of the day: Sorrowful

"This God of ours is a God who saves." (Psalm 68:20-21)

There is no greater love than that which spells hope when situation gets out of hands.  That which provides comfort in distress, lighten the darkest path, and giving out leaning shoulder when there is no support. And that love is God, whose essence is love beyond telling.

From our tabloid today, the psalmist proclaimed saying:

"This God of ours is a God who saves. The LORD our Lord provides an escape from death." (Psalm 68:20-21)

Yes! Only GOD can do this. His love has no cost, no condition attached to it, for the blood of His Son has served as the signature of salvation having paid the debt of our sins in full. 

From Evangelist John in today's gospel pericope, he presented before us Christ's bidding prayer on our behalf.

 "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him power over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him." (John 17:1ff.)

This bidding prayer of our Lord puts our cares and worries before God. As such, there is no absolute reason to be worried or troubled. For His love endures forever.

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray

Grant, we pray, almighty and merciful God, that the Holy Spirit, coming near and dwelling graciously within us, may make of us a perfect temple of his glory. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

             The ARCHIVE ©17052021

DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

      17th Day with Blessed Virgin Mary

Mystery of the day: Joyful

"... and you will be my witnesses."Acts 1:8)

Call to discipleship which we all received at baptism is a call to bear witness and become the harbinger of the good news about Jesus Christ. 

From the richness of our reservoir, Christ whispers to us saying:

"You will receive the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and you will be my witnesses, even to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1:8)

Here Christ promised us the descent of the Holy Spirit - the great teacher, counselor and advocate. 

The coming of the Holy Spirit will renew in us, the unction to function as true believers in the Lord. 

This mandate is devoid of tribulation and difficulties, but amidst this, He has given us hope beyond human telling that; He will not leave us as orphans, and will come again to gladden our hearts. (cf. Jn 14:18; 16:22)

Beloved in Christ, as we wait in joyful hope for the renewal of the Spirit among us, let us rejoice and be glad for He gives the desolate a home to dwell in and leads the prisoners forth into prosperity. (cf.Psalm 68:6-7ab)

Peace! Be with you.

Let us pray 

May the power of the Holy Spirit come to us, we pray, O Lord, that we may keep your will faithfully in mind and express it in a devout way of life. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. 

The ARCHIVE © 17052021