Baptismal Names

In our day, even when Christian parents often choose their children's
names without regard to hallowed traditions, the Church still strongly
insists that a Saint's name be given in Baptism, at least as the middle
name, whenever the first name is not of Christian origin or
significance. It is an ancient tradition that children be given the name
of a Saint whom later they should come to know, to love and to
venerate.

     It is sad to behold how many parents overlook the importance and
great meaning of this religious tradition. Of all things a person can
acquire in this life, his name is the first and closest possession; in a
way, it is himself. When Our Lord was born, God did not leave the
choice of the name to human beings. He Himself chose the Savior's
name and considered it important enough to send an Angel to
announce His choice to St. Joseph.

     Today a child's name is given in a similar supernatural setting.
When the sacred liturgical ceremonies of Baptism come to their peak,
at the very moment the Sacrament is performed, the priest solemnly
announces the name of the child. As the light of a heavenly beacon,
organizing together with baptismal grace, this name accompanies you
through life. If you are a woman and marry, your last name will be
changed- but your baptismal name remains forever, a beautiful
symbol of the Sacrament's lasting mark on your soul.

     No wonder that Christians have always considered it a matter of
great importance to give their children names which would have a
special religious meaning and significance, the name of God's favorite
friends. Fortunately, many of our modern first names are
abbreviations or alternate forms of Saint's names, although the
parents do not realize it. They should try to find out what the name
means that they would like to give their child. If it does not in any way
represent a Saint's name, then they might be well advised to consider
another choice, or at least connect it with a Christian name ( like
Shirley Ann). In fact, if the parents neglect the choice of a Christian
name, the Church directs the priest to add one of his own choice in
Baptism.

     Our children should be interested from their earliest years about
the meaning of their names. Mother can explain to them who the Saint
was whose name they bear. They should be taught to pray to him
every night, to love him, and to consider him a special heavenly friend
and protector.

     The great advantage of their familiarity with the personal Patron
Saint lies in the fact that children thus acquires a lasting, deep and
solid spiritual relation to Saints. There is no danger of mere
emotionalism or sentimentality, as often happens later if they make
their first acquaintance with Saints in the Catholic school. This early
relation to the Patron Saint is based on the bedrock of objective
realities, not on mere sweet feelings. For what is more real to a child
than his own self, identified by his own name? And if this name
presents to the little one the figure, life and story of a great Saint of
God, it is easy to see what influence it will exert on him.

"Religious Customs in the Family"

by Father Francis X. Weiser, S.J.