When Father Davi de Melo hurried to the hospital to baptize a baby girl born prematurely, he had no idea how impactful and moving the moment would be; for him, for the family, and for millions of faithful online who were deeply touched by the video that quickly went viral.
The priest, who serves at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Recife, Brazil, recounts being contacted by a parishioner who explained that his granddaughter had been born prematurely and asked if he could go to the maternity ward to perform the baptism as soon as possible, given the delicate situation.
“Life that insists on living,” Father Davi wrote in the post. He explains that Maria weighs “only 570 grams,” the equivalent of 1.25 pounds. “So tiny, so fragile, and yet, paradoxically, so full of life. Her beating heart pumps blood.”
“Now, blood of God’s own lineage! More than that: a daughter! With all that this entails. It is a moment of joy for this young priest to share in this celebration taking place on earth and in heaven!” the post concludes.
In the video, the priest is seen baptizing little Maria Borba Reis, held in her mother’s arms, using a small disposable cup
