Irene's baptism was on Sunday, February 27, 2005, on a cold and windy, but sunny day. The ceremony started at noon, which was a bit on the early side for us, because we had not shifted Alex and Irene to the Dutch time, and they had been getting up around noon. But fortunately Alex and Irene were both cooperative, and we managed to get to the church, named the Onze Lieve Vrouwe van de Allerheiligste Rozenkrans, with time to spare.
We were very pleased Irene could be baptized in this church, because it was the same church where we got married, and where Alex was baptized. We were especially pleased that the same priest was willing to perform the ceremony, even though he had retired some time ago.
Alex is checking out what his aunt Martine is doing with Rob's camera.
Irene receives a cross on the forehead from the priest, and Rob and Cindy, and the godparents Nathan and Sheila make a cross on her forehead as well.
The priest explains the symbols of baptism and prepares the water, while Rob, Cindy, and the godparents are listening.
Outside of the left picture, Alex has just found some fuzz, alerted those near him of this fact, and decided to bring this treasure to Oma. The -slightly out of focus- godparents, Sheila, Cindy's cousin, and Nathan, Rob's brother.
Irene is baptized. She was quite unmoved by this, except that she was not sure she liked the cold water on her head, but before she could decide, this part of the ceremony was over and godmother Sheila dried her off.
Alex is participating in the ceremony as well, and Irene receives the holy oils.
Irene's baptismal candle is lit.
Alex has his own candle, and is very serious about it.
Kerkkoor St. Caecilia, with Rob's uncle Bert in it, sang during the ceremony. They sang several some beautiful songs that made the ceremony even more unforgettable. On the right, the captivated audience.
The choir ended the ceremony with Rob and Cindy's favorite song of theirs: kolomyky. They also sang this as an encore at the end of Rob and Cindy's wedding. This song made Rob and Cindy very happy!
The priest and the godparents while signing the paperwork.
Alex considered placing his candle in front of the statue of Mary, but in the end found parting with his candle too tall an order and decided to keep it.