28 Baptismal Shawl and Baptismal Candle

White is a symbol of purity and the white baptismal shawl reminds us of the new start we are making as followers of Jesus and members of the Church. When we put on the shawl, it is as if we are clothing ourselves in Christ so that we can become more like him. 

Jesus is often called 'the light of the world' and he even used this name for himself. Just as a light shows us the way to go in the darkness, Jesus shows us the way to God. We are called to share the light of Christ with others through our words and actions. If we try to live as good followers of Jesus, we  will show others the way to God. The baptismal candle reminds us that Jesus is our light and our guide and when we are baptised, we are saying 'yes' to sharing that light with others.

CCC 1243 The white garment symbolizes that the person baptized has "put on Christ," has risen with Christ. The candle, lit from the Easter candle, signifies that Christ has enlightened the neophyte. In him the baptized are "the light of the world." The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: "Our Father."