Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge you as King of the universe. All creation was made for you. Exercise all your sovereign rights over me. I renew my baptismal promises, renouncing Satan and all his works and empty promises, and I promise to lead a good Christian life. I will try to bring about the recognition of the truth of God and your Church. Divine Heart of Jesus, I offer all my actions that every human heart may accept your kingship. May the kingdom of your peace be established across the world.
The legacy of Renewal of Baptismal Promises
The Renewal of Baptismal Promises is a Catholic prayer that is often recited during the Easter Vigil Mass. It is a reaffirmation of one’s baptismal commitment and a call to renew one’s faith in Jesus Christ.
The origins of the Renewal of Baptismal Promises can be traced back to the early Church. In the first centuries of Christianity, baptism was considered the gateway to salvation and was viewed as an essential step in a person’s conversion to Christianity. Baptismal vows were taken seriously, and were considered to be a lifelong commitment.
During the Middle Ages, the practice of renewing baptismal vows fell out of use, but it was revived during the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s. The Council emphasized the importance of the sacraments, especially baptism, and encouraged the renewal of the baptismal promises as a way of deepening one’s faith in Christ.
Today, the Renewal of Baptismal Promises is an important part of the Easter Vigil Mass, which is celebrated on Holy Saturday, the day before Easter Sunday. It is a time when Catholics affirm their faith, their commitment to Christ, and their belief in the power of the Holy Spirit to guide and sustain them in their Christian journey. The prayer is also often used in other religious occasions and sacramental celebrations, such as confirmation and marriage.