Antonio, soon to be baptized: ‘I’ve discovered an unimaginable love’

“I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” These are the words that thousands of catechumens around the world are preparing to hear on Easter night when they are baptized. Throughout Lent, Aleteia is sharing with you the stories of some of these men and women, who are happy to become children of God. Read all of the testimonies here.

In Spain, the syllabus for the subject of religion for 4th year of Compulsory Secondary Education (10th grade, in American terms) includes the sacraments. That's why, that day in class, they were talking about baptism.

The teacher, Jesús, asked, “Is anyone here not baptized?” Antonio raised his hand.

“Well, I invite you to be baptized and to receive the sacraments, and to receive catechesis in your parish for that purpose.”

The boy nodded without thinking twice. Now, after two years of catechism, he explains to Aleteia why he gave such a quick answer.

“I was open to learning more about Christ. His message and teachings really caught my attention,” he recalls.

This student from Alcorcón was also attracted to Eucharistic miracles, the tilma of Guadalupe, the Shroud of Turin and other “documented miracles.”

During the time of preparation for baptism, first communion and confirmation, Antonio Borrego learned about the Catholic Church. He took part in catechesis and youth pilgrimages, he was an acolyte at Almudena Cathedral in Madrid, he went on an Effetá retreat… And he has become part of La Salette parish in Madrid, where he helps as an altar boy at mass and supervises the children at summer camps.

“My process of receiving the sacraments has had a bit of everything,“ he acknowledges, “but I dare say there have been more joys than thorns, because I’ve always ended up overcoming the difficulties with God by my side.”

As for difficulties, he highlights the contrast with the part of his environment where faith is absent, and “temptations and vices” such as spending too much time being distracted by short videos and video games.

“It’s been a very beautiful and enriching journey, full of God's company, generosity and mercy,” he says.

And he enthusiastically summarizes what he has discovered during this time of preparation:

So, having just turned 18, he will receive the sacraments of Christian initiation on April 19, 2025, together with some of the nearly 30 catechumens of the diocese of Getafe.

Given the high number of adults who will enter the Church this year, there will be two celebrations with baptisms at the Easter vigil: one in the cathedral and the other at the Cerro de los Ángeles.

Antonio will be there with the people who’ve accompanied him on his journey to becoming a baptized Christian. His family will also be there; they respect his decision and sometimes accompany him to church, although the only one who practices the faith is his grandmother.

Regarding his future, Antonio reflects: “If my life has already changed for the better because I’ve opened up to Christ and become a catechumen, who's to say there won't be more changes?”

“It's hard for me to foresee where God might take me after receiving the sacraments, but putting my life and trust in Him, I know that everything will be in good hands,” he says.

“I know that everything will improve even more, that it will bring me closer to salvation, to Him, that there will still be joys and thorns along the way, that it will make me a better example,” he concludes, “but I couldn't say exactly where it will lead me...”