At a special Mass celebrated by Msgr. Christian Lépine on October 1, the Archbishop gathered around him, as he has done at this annual celebration for many years now, the adults who had received their Baptism, first Eucharist and Confirmation during the Easter Vigil of 2023. Some came with their godparents or with companions they had met during their journey of initiation into Christian life, and others were accompanied by members of their families. 

For our diocesan Church, the Eucharistic celebration on this day was an opportunity to reconnect with a tradition that dates back to the first centuries of Christianity: Welcoming the neophytes. 

This year, approximately 20 individuals accepted the invitation, among whom were the neophytes and those baptized last year. 

In his homily, Archbishop Lépine urged the neophytes to make Jesus Christ the centre of their lives. “You have been drawn to Jesus Christ, and you have undertaken part of the journey with Him. Live through Him, with Him and in Him, and He will have a beneficial effect on your life, enriching it and transforming it.” 

Following Communion and just after the prayer, the moment came for the removal of the white garment. As the name of each neophyte was called, they proceeded into the centre of the nave. There they handed back the white scarves they had worn around their necks before being welcomed, along with those celebrating the first anniversary of their Baptism, by Archbishop Lépine for a few moments’ exchange. 

With this simple gesture, the archbishop affirmed his pastoral relationship with each of the new members of the diocesan Church, while also strengthening their personal connection to the Church. The removal of the white scarf symbolized their readiness to assume their place within the community. From now on, nothing will differentiate them from other Christians, along with whom and just like whom, they are encouraged to maintain the brilliance of that garment within and to bear witness to it by taking their place in the community, working towards its transformation, and making the world of our day a more humane place. 

Following the final blessing, each returned home, having received the call to “go and work in the vineyard.”