Just two days before Christmas we had the school pageant and mass for the children at 8a.m.

It was a very special day for 16 of the children of the school and their families as they were baptised during the mass. We baptised the children in the waters of the grotto which we built this year. The day was beautiful, warm sunshine and a gentle breeze. The children were dressed in white and most of them will receive their first Holy Communion in 2010. The photos show the start of the ceremony with the procession; then later the photos taken at the end of the mass with the children out front along with those who took part in the pageant.

These children come from poor families who live in cane houses on the side of the hills here. It is a credit to the families to present their children looking so well for the special day of baptism.

The sisters in the school prepared the children for their baptism. Thanks to them for their committment and dedication the children are well prepared and know all their prayers and hymns off by heart.

Writing this account of the children's baptism on Monday 11th January.

P.J....