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I'm going to be baptized Catholic this Easter
and need to pick a patron. I was wondering
if I can use an Archangel rather than a saint,
like Raphael, the angel . . .
of healing
of the blind
of happy meetings
of nurses
of physicians, and
of travelers?
Shelly
{
Since I'm being baptized a Catholic this Easter, can I use the name of an angel instead of a saint? }
Mike
replied:
Hi, Shelly —
Thanks for the question.
I see no problems picking the name
of an archangel as a patron for Easter.
2156 The sacrament of Baptism is
conferred in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19) In Baptism, the
Lord's name sanctifies man, and the
Christian receives his name in the
Church. This can be the name of a
saint, that is, of a disciple who
has lived a life of exemplary fidelity
to the Lord. The patron saint provides
a model of charity; we are assured
of his intercession. The baptismal
name can also express a Christian
mystery or Christian virtue.
"Parents, sponsors, and the
pastor are to see that a name
is not given which is foreign
to Christian sentiment."
2165 In Baptism, the Christian receives his name in the Church. Parents, godparents, and the pastor are to see that he be given a Christian name. The patron saint provides a model of charity and the assurance of his prayer.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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