In June Fr Uday Marneni baptised a baby boy who had just been welcomed to Country with a Smoking Ceremony. Fr Uday shares his thoughts about the similarities of these two distinct ceremonies. 

By Fr Uday Marneni

In June, the Kyabram Parish was privileged to welcome into our faith community, through the sacrament of baptism, baby Elijah (Dhadjowa) and baby Lydia. Before the proceedings, Elijah was also welcomed to Country with Traditional Owner Troy Firebrace through a special Smoking Ceremony before Mass.

Through baptism, we are welcomed and begin a relationship with Jesus Christ and the church. It is the foundation of all Christian life, a gateway to life in the Holy Spirit. It is a one-off sacrament, and anyone may seek it and become reborn as a daughter and son of God.

St Peter declares to the crowd on the day of Pentecost, "Repent, and be baptised every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). Through Baptism all sins are forgiven.

Through Baptism, the Holy Spirit seals the Christian in a permanent relationship with Christ. The effects of sin may hinder the effects of Baptism, but sin cannot erase this sign of God's fidelity. It is for this reason that Baptism is received only once.

The phrase “to baptise” means to "plunge" or "immerse". “Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs to heaven”. "Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word" (CCC #1213). The immersion in water, or alternatively the pouring of water over the person's head, symbolises the baptised person's union with the death of Jesus. Just as Christ was raised from the dead, the baptised person rises from the water as a "new creature", a member of the Church. Baptism is officiated by a priest or deacon and witnessed by family and faith community.

The Paschal Candle which is lit on the day of Baptism reminds us that Jesus is the Light of the World. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
The Celebrant says during baptism, “Receive the light of Christ. These children have been enlightened by Christ. They are to walk always as children of the Light.” Parents are instructed to keep the light burning brightly and the flame of faith alive in their child’s heart.

For thousands of years, Aboriginal people have performed Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies, not only to show respect for Elders past and present but to acknowledge the ancestral spirit and connection to the lands on which we stand. These practices are important and unique to each community. For Elijah it was, and is, especially personal; his family was present to witness the marking of his presence in Country through this sacred ceremony.

The Kyabram parish community participated in and witnessed this cultural and spiritual ceremony. A reminder that every community member continue to embrace and respect Aboriginal culture and tradition.

There is much planning in the lead-up to the ceremony, placing value on the importance of family life, identity and culture. It is an opportunity for families and community members to hear from Elders, who will inform them of local cultural practice and bringing together different generations. The ceremonies are invitational to non-Indigenous people and provide an opportunity for everyone to connect through ceremonies.

Elijah and Lydia’s baptism was officiated by Fr Uday Marneni, Parish Priest of Kyabram and the Smoking Ceremony was officiated by traditional custodian, Troy Firebrace. Elijah’s mother is also an Indigenous dancer with Glayna Yenbena (which means ‘beautiful people’) and acknowledges the importance of the connectedness of Christian faith and Indigenous culture. Although different, these ceremonies both give a sense of identity and belonging; both involve community; both require preparation; and both recall the roots of culture and faith.

Baby Elijah joined his mother and the Glayna Yenbena Dancers at the official opening and blessin of the Daborra Learning Centre at St Mary of the Angel's College, Nathalia on 26 August, 2024.