Chapter 1467 - 789: Baptism (Part 2)
Chapter 1467 - 789: Baptism (Part 2)
Returning to the ruins, Roland compared the fuel he brought with the fuel stored there. The diesel here is quite similar to the stored fuel over there, so out of instinct, he directly added that barrel of diesel to the generator tank and tried starting it. Although it could start normally, the fuel wasn't abundant, so it didn't last long before stopping.
Afterwards, they used the stored fuel to start the generator again, and charged the portal before starting to return. But this time they gained quite a lot, as he planned to bring more over after returning.
They also discovered that when the energy on both sides of the portal is present, the portal can actually remain continuously open, meaning next time Roland wouldn't need to carry a bunch of things himself; instead, he could place them on a small cart and push it over directly.
However, plans couldn't keep up with changes. After baby Liam was born, Roland's plan to travel back and forth was forced to halt, just in time for him to rest here for a while.
Since James and Tom came over, Jimmy definitely couldn't let them leave immediately. Baby Liam's baptism time was approaching, and it was perfect for them, as elders, to attend.
The service at the medical center was quite good. They gave Nia advance notice to take the baby to the hospital for a checkup and according to plan, Liam was vaccinated. It wasn't until everything was normal that Liam's baptism time was finally confirmed.
On baptism day, Jimmy drove early with Nia and baby Liam from Brooklyn heading to Staten Island, while the others went independently. St. Andrew's Church is a known location, so there was no worry they would not find their way.
The church was solemn and grand, with Nia holding baby Liam and Jimmy standing next to her, feeling an immense joy and sacred atmosphere. Clearly, Father White and the others had done some work in advance, unlike the feeling Jimmy had when he visited before, except during his wedding with Nia.
For a feeling beyond this environment, it was only when Jimmy underwent the exorcism ceremony jointly by Father White and a few others, which led Jimmy to completely integrate with Black Rainbow.
Yet, this environment still made Jimmy somewhat uneasy. Father White and others likely didn't just hope for a solemn environment; perhaps they were already preparing to test Liam's compatibility with the Holy Light from now.
Father White had communicated with Jimmy earlier that this ceremony wouldn't be like those grand baptism ceremonies held by wealthy people with too many ceremonial elements; those things are just displays, to deceive some, although the scene appeared to be prepared with many priests and church members, and the church was decorated with various religious objects, seeming very important to the church but actually useless.
In a place like St. Andrew's Church, maintaining a consistent simplicity is enough.
Father White and Father Rodney wore white priest robes and stoles, with white skullcaps on their heads, bracelets on their wrists, a cross hanging below, each holding an Old Bible, looking different than usual.
Father Rodney stepped on the altar, with Nia and Jimmy holding Liam to stand in front of Father Rodney, who smiled and gazed solemnly and compassionately at this new life before him.
Baby Liam was very cooperative and didn't cry at all, which relieved Jimmy and others. After all, this was Liam's first time in a crowded place since birth, and no one knew what this little one would do; it would be troublesome if he cried continuously.
Father Rodney looked around, then began to elaborate on the significance and importance of baptism, his voice gentle yet solemn, completely different from his usual: "Today, we are here not only to celebrate the Holy Baptism of a new life but also for a deeper commitment. As Liam's Godfather, I am deeply honored and responsible. Today, I not only baptize him as a priest but also serve as his lifelong spiritual guide and guardian, guiding him on the path of faith."
He turned to Jimmy and Nia, saying softly: "Jimmy and Nia, are you willing to commit to raising Liam in faith, guiding him towards a path of love and light?"
"We are willing." Jimmy and Nia answered firmly.
Father Rodney continued: "Liam, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Saint Heir, and the Holy Spirit."
Father Rodney took the Baptism Plate and carefully scooped Holy Water from the Holy Water Basin, gently dripping it on Liam's forehead, then drew a cross, continuing: "Liam, may you grow under God's love and protection. May this clear water wash away all sins and impurities, leaving your soul as pure as a white lamb."
During the ceremony, Father Rodney also recited prayers, asking God to bless Liam, gently stroking little Liam's head, transmitting sacred blessings.
After the baptism, Father Rodney gently took Liam from Nia's arms and faced the congregation, his voice softer: "As Liam's Godfather, I vow that I will be not only his spiritual guide on his life's journey but also his guardian and advisor, whether in faith or in life's challenges and joys, I will be with him."
When he finished speaking, Nia reached out to take back the child, but Father Rodney glanced at the baby Liam in his arms and suddenly raised his voice again:
"As Godfather, I will do my utmost to help Liam grow in faith and guide him on the path of righteousness and kindness."
"As Godfather, I pray for God's grace, wishing Liam's soul would remain pure, filled with God's love."
"As Godfather, I will provide Liam with religious teachings and ongoing support, enabling him to find strength and guidance in faith. I firmly believe in God's grace and love will protect Liam, guiding him towards a future full of joy and blessings."
This time after speaking, Father Rodney handed the child back to Nia, but his gaze still focused on baby Liam, as if discovering something.
Yet, this small episode didn't affect the ceremony, and Father Rodney specially invited everyone to bless Liam and his family: "Let us pray together, may God's grace and guidance always accompany Liam."
The ceremony ended, Father Rodney stepped down from the altar and approached Father White, with Jimmy and Nia holding the child also moving near others. Everyone gathered around them, joyfully laughing and looking carefully at the little one in Nia's arms. Kevin and others even reached out to tease him. Baby Liam seemed to understand the occasion wasn't suitable for crying; he giggled without being shy at all, even trying to reach out his little hands to touch others' fingers.
Father White and Father Rodney didn't return to the waiting room, instead, they stood watching Jimmy and others. After a while, Father White softly asked: "What happened just now?"
Father Rodney covered his mouth, speaking quietly: "I felt a sense of danger while holding baby Liam, like someone was watching me, though it's still unclear what it was. Now it's gone, I didn't detect the source."
Father White didn't respond, just nodded with a slight smile.
Father Rodney beckoned to a young priest nearby, who took a box and approached, Father Rodney opened the box and took out a Gold Cross Necklace, the necklace being silver with lettering and patterns on the cross, and a small ruby at the top.
Taking advantage of Jimmy and the others dispersing, he approached and handed over the Cross Necklace as a gift from the Godfather to baby Liam, giving it to Jimmy.
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