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It was definitely somewhat unexpected and took many by surprise, (it was even surprising for us) but we did decide to baptize Keegan. It may have been the Catholic guilt, or maybe “the fear or the weight of tradition” (as the little Baptism book they gave us mentioned), or maybe the full immersion in the Italian culture; whatever the case may be we thought it would have been good for Keegan to have a religion to belong to. When he is old enough, he can then choose himself. This may not sound very warm and fuzzy, but we are “tepid Catholics” after all…a term Italian priests use to refer to non practicing Catholics. Surprisingly enough, the Italian church, as in the actual parishes and priests not the Vatican, has become very tolerant and open, facing dwindling numbers, and it has adopted an open door policy to accept into its embrace even the least devoted or practicing, the so called tepid Catholics. After all, both Tizi and Matt were raised Catholics, and we both subscribe to its basic moral values. Now, the church’s interpretation is what we have some issues with…but we digress again.

The ceremony was arranged quickly: we asked the priest who married us in Italy 4 years ago to baptize Keegan. He was happy to do it, and he remembered us well. The day was September 22, 2008. The church is the same church where Tizi’s parents got married in 1964 and of course where we got married in 2004. It is a small, intimate place, with a cute courtyard. We only had a few people attending: Tizi’s parents, who were also the Godparents, Tizi’s sister, with her family, including the “Grandmother in law” (the mother of Tizi’s sister’s husband…can anyone think of a better name?) and two very close friends of Tizi’s parents. Even Tizi’s maternal cousin, who she had not seen in many many years, came. It was great to see all.

The ceremony was very nice. Usually, in Italy, the Baptism is a community event, celebrated during mess with many childrend being baptized together. Because of the time constraints, we were the only one in the Church. We really enjoyed this more intimate celebration. Keegan was absolutely perfect. He enjoyed all the confusion, and the people, and of course the attention. With two video cameras and two regular cameras, he seemed like a rockstar, as the priest remarked.

Keegan was wearing the same baptism dress that Tizi’s mom knitted for her own baptism…a few years ago. A well used dress at that: Keegan is the 5th child to wear it. Keegan did not cry, even when his head was submerged in the water, and was attentively following all that was going on.

Keegan  quietly paying close attention…with a little help from a friend 

Hey: it is not bathtime!

daddy lighting the candle

All together: the godparents, the parents and the celebrated boy

After the ceremony, Tizi’s mom prepared a wonderful party at the house, with tons of goodies, a delicious cake, champagne and of course the typical light blue confetti (the sugar coated almond candy that are a tradition for weddings and baptisms). Two of Tizi’s friends met us there as well as Tizi’s paternal cousin that came from Rome to visit. It was wonderful to see everyone, especially Tizi’s cousins, who we have not seen in years.

all together again: look at all the goodies!

What a wonderful cake

Again, Keegan enjoyed all the attention and he even clapped for the first time in excitement. He definitely loves lots of people around and the confusion…Matt and Tizi are a little worried: how will he get used to the much more mellow life in San Diego????