Godparents are Chosen

Every time someone told me that he or she is the godparent of so and so, I just can’t help but give that sinister look. Often I wonder if these people even know the meaning of real godparents as well as the responsibilities that come along with it. A godparent is normally chosen by the parents of a newborn child, and this is a very common practice among the Catholic. Under the Canon Law 872-874 there are specific requirements to qualify as a godparent.

The godparent will need to be baptized and at least 16 years of age. They should have a close supportive relationship with the family. Traditionally, godparents will also be responsible in ensuring the child’s religious education, and will take the duty of caring for them should their parents demised. They must also be good guiding friends and mentors.

Therefore, this is my understanding of godparents. I have friends who assigned godparents to their children and they went to court to have a proper agreement signed.

However, what can be mind boggling is that you come across people of the non Catholic faith let alone Christian, telling me that they are godparents to so and so, or at the age of more then half a century they suddenly have a godparent. Hemm……… how so la?

I guess in Malaysia all `boleh’ so hentam saja la. I bet in their mind a godparent must be another brand name. Just like all the fake things in this country, even godparent is plastic now. I would love to see if the so wannabe godparents will even spend a dollar for the interest of the child, or take the child in if their biological parents would like to have a short vacation or would they share an interest in the development of the child.

Godparents …………….. understand your role before rolling out.