YOUCAT Lesson 361

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

361  What does it mean for a Christian to be baptized with a particular name?

“In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”, the person is baptized with a name.  The name and the face are ultimately what makes a person unique, even in God’s sight.  “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine” (Isaiah 43:1).  [2158]

Prophet Isaiah, by Michelangelo, (c. 1508–1512, Sistine Chapel ceiling, Vatican City). ..... 361

Christians treat the name of a person reverently, because the name is profoundly connected with that person’s identity and dignity.  From time immemorial Christians have selected names for their children from the list of the saints; they do so in the belief that the patron saint is an example for them and will intercede with God for them in a special way.  201

“I will not blot his name out of the book of life; I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.”  Revelations 3:5

[2158]

 2158 God calls each one by name.( Compare Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3.)⁸⁷ Everyone's name is sacred. The name is the icon of the person. It demands respect as a sign of the dignity of the one who bears it. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition