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CKwasniewski
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Elizabeth,
My son was baptised & I blessed, 12 days after his birth. My dear girlie was baptized 1 month & 1 day after her birth, and I was blessed. (We only waited this long bc. the priest was traveling.)
I don't think there is a stipulation of 40 days anymore, if there ever was. And yes, of course, baby should be baptized as soon as can be done.
The Catholic Encyclopedia says that it should be done as soon as a woman is able to leave her house.
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03761a.htm
I love Pope Benedict's chapter (in Milestones) about his baptism at the Easter vigil--the same night he was born! Of course, his mother didn't go! Perhaps this kind of situation was why the blessing of the mother was done separately?
I have been to several baptisms/confirmations/1st communions in the Eastern rite. They are so beautiful!
ck
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DominaCaeli
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CKwasniewski wrote:
| I love Pope Benedict's chapter (in Milestones) about his baptism at the Easter vigil--the same night he was born! Of course, his mother didn't go! Perhaps this kind of situation was why the blessing of the mother was done separately? |
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Yes, I remember reading somewhere (wish I could remember where!) that in many European countries, it was traditional for the godparents to bring the baby to the church for baptism. The mother stayed at home recovering, and when she was physically ready, the Churching took place and she began attending Mass with the family again.
My daughter was baptized at four days old, and as much as I loved being there for it, I realized at that point the practical wisdom in having the mother stay home to rest! 
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Blessings,
Celeste
Joyous Lessons
Mommy to six: three boys (8, 4, newborn) and four girls (7, 5, 2, and 1)
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JennGM
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DominaCaeli wrote:
Yes, I remember reading somewhere (wish I could remember where!) that in many European countries, it was traditional for the godparents to bring the baby to the church for baptism. The mother stayed at home recovering, and when she was physically ready, the Churching took place and she began attending Mass with the family again.
My daughter was baptized at four days old, and as much as I loved being there for it, I realized at that point the practical wisdom in having the mother stay home to rest! |
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I was going to write the same thing. It wasn't just in European countries. I know at least in my mother's family traditions in Louisiana that it was done there, too.
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to  & ds1  '03 & ds2  '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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Tami
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JennGM wrote:
I was going to write the same thing. It wasn't just in European countries. I know at least in my mother's family traditions in Louisiana that it was done there, too. |
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Yes, not strictly a European custom. I have friends and relatives with baptism pictures where the mom is absent - she was still home, recovering...
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God bless,
Tami
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become. (Nouwen)
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hylabrook1
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My mother stayed home from my baptism at 17 days of age.
I have been so blessed to read this discussion on churching of the mother. The only time I had heard of it was after the birth of my first, when someone chastised me for returning to Mass (and receiving!) without having been churched. As you might guess, this person's perspective on the custom was not one that emphasized the beauty of the blessing. I love the idea of ever having been a sacred vessel (even though I was never formally returned to *ordinary* use.)
Peace,
Nancy
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JennGM
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I'll include here the introduction to the Blessing:
2. BLESSING OF A MOTHER AFTER CHILDBIRTH
{This blessing is often referred to as the churching of women, but the Roman Ritual more appropriately calls it simply the blessing of a woman after childbirth. The practice of "churching a woman" developed out of a related practice in the Old Testament (cf. Lev 12.1-8). According to the Mosaic Law a woman incurred legal uncleanness in childbirth and remained unclean until her legal purification. This view, that a woman incurs some kind of defilement in childbirth, persisted even in Christian times, especially in the East, but in the West too, despite the opposition of Pope Gregory the Great (d. 604). The sufferings of childbirth were looked upon as part of the penalty imposed on Eve and on all her daughters. Yet it must be understood clearly that the Jews did not say there was actually any stain of sin on the mother in consequence of giving birth to a child, but merely a restriction imposed by law. With Christ's coming womankind was elevated and ennobled, and motherhood too was more clearly seen as something honorable, deserving a blessing rather than a purification. The exact time of origin of this sacramental is not known, except that it is very ancient, and dates possibly from the first half of the fourth century.}
1. After giving birth to a child a mother may wish to give thanks to God in church for a safe delivery, and to obtain the Church's blessing. This has long been a devout and praiseworthy practice. The priest, vested in surplice and white stole (assisted by a server who carries the aspersory), goes to the threshold of the church. The woman kneels there, holding a lighted candle.
{The very fact that the priest goes to meet her and escort her into the church is in itself a mark of respect for the mother, and puts one in mind of a bishop who meets a royal personage or anyone of high rank when the latter comes to a cathedral to attend a solemn function. The rest of the rite speaks for itself; but it may be pointed out that psalm 23, which the priest recites over the woman, is a psalm of majesty, praise, and gratitude.}
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Jennifer G. Miller
Wife to & ds1 '03 & ds2 '07
Family in Feast and Feria
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Churching of Women
