The number of adults preparing for their baptism in the Roman Catholic Church in Belgium continues to soar. The number of catechumens stands at 536 this year says the Belgian Bishops' Conference. That’s an increase of almost 50 per cent compared to last year, when their number was 362. A catechumen is a person receiving instruction in the Christian faith before baptism.
Religion & Philosophy
Surge in adults seeking baptism in the Church of Rome
Colin Clapson
Published:
According to the Roman Catholic church authorities there’s been a tripling in the figures of adults seeking baptism in only 10 years. The Diocese of Mechelen-Brussels, which includes Flemish Brabant, Mechelen, Brussels and Walloon Brabant, had the highest number of adult catechumens, 173 in total. In second place we find the Diocese of Tournai (136) and in third place the Diocese of Liège (71).
For the catechumen, after a one-year journey, receiving the initiation sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist marks the starting point of life as a Christian.
Traditionally, the baptism of adult candidates takes place during the Easter vigil, on the eve of Easter. This year's Easter vigil will take place on Saturday 19 April, during the evening and night.