‘Godparents are a child’s 2nd parents, not the provider of Christmas gifts’

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has reminded godparents of their responsibility as second guardian to their godchildren, and not only as gift givers during Christmas and other special occasions.

Tagle issued the reminder in his homily at the mass baptism of more than 400 children from impoverished families at the Manila Cathedral yesterday.

The children were beneficiaries of the Tulay ng Kabataan (TNK) Foundation. The event is part of an outreach program of the Catholic Church and the TNK.

Assisting Tagle in the baptism rites were 11 priests.

Tagle said that being godparents is a blessing from God that entails commitment and responsibility. He stressed it’s not only about showering children with gifts and other earthly possessions.

“Being godparents is not about spending money,” he said in Filipino.

“Always check on your godchildren, visit them, show them good example, so they’ll realize you’re a good Filipino, a good Christian,” he said.

He said that since being godparents has become associated only with gift-giving, some godparents would rather hide from children than spend money for presents during special occasions and holidays, including Christmas.

“So don’t worry if you don’t have anything to gift your godchildren. Not having gifts won’t make you bad godparents. Don’t feel bothered,” he said.

He recalled hearing the confession of two children who were badly beaten by their own father for failing to raise enough money from begging in the streets.