BAPTISM
"A very important step"
Colonialism imposed the Catholic baptism on the enslaved population in Cuba, and a dual baptism became a common reality. In our restoration goals, the Church is committed to the abandonment of syncretic retentions and the reeducation of traditional rites and values. Baptism is one of most religiously profound rites that one experiences in religion early in life. Our form of baptism relies on the performance of the called ileke/eleke ceremony.
Eleke or ileke’s are necklaces made of beads, which in their individual patterns are symbolic to each divinity called orisha. This ceremony of entry into the Lukumi/Ayoba faith is one for all ages and genders. Two ordained priests’ or priestesses are required to perform baptism. The adherent selects the ordained and confirmation is attained through divination. This is where the orishas are consulted for the purpose of baptism and both ordained persons inquire for permission to perform. After approval from the orishas arrangements are made to conduct the baptism.
Ileke ceremony is a three-prong process ending with the presentation of the sacred necklaces. They are considered sacred because each necklace has been ritually blessed through an elaborate ceremony, and are considered to be sacred objects of personal protection. The necklaces are sacred representations of the orisha’s elegba, obatala, oshun, yemaya, and shango. This group is standard unless when prescribed by divination additional one’s may be included. There are prior and life taboos associated with the baptism ceremony. The adherent must be at the utmost state of physical and mental purity by 24hrs prior of the ceremony. Ileke’s are not to be worn during menstrual cycle, sex, bathing, nudity, or handled by layperson. When a necklace breaks the omo-orisha, child of the orisha, must inform the incident to the respective priest or priestess and schedule a divination session. Divination must be performed quickly to define the reason of such incident. It may be a warning of impending danger or simply accidental.
Baptism is a meaningful religious step. The adherent selection of the two priests or priestesses is one, which requires a sound decision. Once the ceremony is performed, they become the adherents’ religious elders for the purpose of guidance. A religious bonding takes place and as a consequence there are responsibilities attached to all the concerned. The adherent becomes integrated into a religious group, forming an added component to an extended religious family. Mutual responsibilities and religious observance with the assisted guidance of the ordained persons should not translate into dependency. The relationship should be based on mutual respect, guidance, and a fraternal atmosphere. The ordained persons are servants of the orishas, not dictators. To select those that will guide the adherent is the first most important decision made. It will require time and good judgment. The adherent should be well informed of the baptism requirements and the religious norms of the extended family prior to baptism. Fee’s to perform baptism may vary from state to state, or country. The adherent should research the cost in there area prior to baptism. Use link below to the page on selecting a priest for helpful guidelines.
CHURCH BAPTISM SERVICE
Need Assistance?
We can help you on your path. The church membership of ordained persons extends through the entire United States. These are clergy members that have been screened and their ordinations have been validated. Referral is available upon request. Simply enter your request below and questions that you may have. CLBA assumes no liabilities for services preformed or provided by referred clergy member, or this referral service. Prior to baptism you may request from CLBA a verification of stipulated procedure and fee’s as indicated by the referred clergy member.
Already Baptized?
CLBA offers a registration certificate for baptism. The certified clergy member only needs to send a registration form with a contribution of $ 10.00 dollars. The certificate will be mailed to the clergy member. This will include your free Associate membership with CLBA, and your membership card. If you wish to become an Associate member at this time, and register your baptism later you may; log on to the membership link below.
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