After months of instruction, Emma Tsosie, one of our Navajo Residents, was baptized on Easter Sunday. Her family was unable to come for the Vigil. Emma is a Navajo from the “Black Sheep Clan,” born for the “Red Streak into Water clan.” Although Emma speaks very little English, her instructor, Carol Wheeler, gave her lessons in the faith in Navajo. Emma, like so many of the Navajos, cannot read Navajo (Navajo is a spoken language). So all the lessons were given orally, translated so she could understand. Emma chose the name “Francis” as her confirmation, after our new Holy Father, Pope Francis.
On Easter Sunday, Emma was first baptized, then confirmed and then received her First Holy Communion. Her white garment that she wore was a vest, made by Carol, with the Holy Spirit on the front to express the sacraments that she would receive.
Before the closing of the Mass, Fr. Cormac, O.F.M,. a resident priest – and one of the few priests that was able to celebrate the Mass in Navajo – gave Emma a special blessing in Navajo. With much joy the last Hymn was sung in Navajo.
